Ronaldo talent ‘divine’

CARLOS QUEIROZ has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo for footballing super-stardom. On current evidence, the 21-year-old is a virtual certainty to land a host of Player of the Year awards this season.

And Queiroz, who helped persuade Ronaldo to remain at United this season following the negative publicity he attracted during the World Cup, is adamant the wide man can have the same massive impact on football as Michael Jordan has done in the basketball world.

“I have seen many players throughout my career but I believe that over the next decade Cristiano Ronaldo will be European football’s equivalent to Michael Jordan in the NBA,” Queiroz reckoned.

“The kid has a divine talent. I have never seen a player with this level of ability. His technique, physique, athleticism and imagination, and added to this is his attitude.”

“He will be a star for the best part of 10 years.”

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has denied suggesting Ronaldo should leave Manchester United to play in Spain.

Scolari was reported to have said that Ronaldo would benefit from a move to Barcelona, but speaking in the build-up to tonight’s friendly against Brazil, the Brazilian claimed he had been misquoted.

“I don’t have any explanation on this matter, for what they wrote or didn’t write,” Scolari said. “It doesn’t matter – what I say goes in one ear and out the other.”

Scolari backed Ronaldo to become one of the best players in the world, but said he was only interested in the winger’s international future – not where he plays his club football.

“It’s not a matter that concerns me,” he said.

When asked about the matter, Ronaldo said he was unaware of the reports.