Pro Eleven Headline News

Ronaldo Crashes Ferrari In Tunnel

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo "was lucky not to be hurt" after crashing his Ferrari.

The Portuguese international's sports car collided with a barrier in a tunnel near Manchester Airport at about 10.20am.

Ronaldo's vehicle is thought to have been written off in the accident on the A538 Wilmslow Road. He was not hurt.

Police breathalysed the 23-year-old star, who was on his way to a training session, and it was negative.

Ronaldo will also be formally questioned later, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.

Police Constable Nigel Snell, from the Road Policing Unit, said: "Given the damage to the car it is fortunate the driver was not injured.

"We are trying to establish exactly what happened and I would appeal to anyone that may have witnessed the collision to contact police."

One of the wheels of the Ferrari had come off and was about 200 yards behind where the car had come to rest.

Ronaldo, who was travelling with team-mate Manucho, was able to get out of his vehicle himself.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar, who was travelling behind Ronaldo in his Bentley, has already spoken to police but was not involved in the crash.

A police spokesman said no-one was injured in the incident.

Manchester United confirmed that Ronaldo was not hurt and took part in training with his teammates after the crash.

A club spokesman said: "He was involved in an incident this morning. No other cars were involved.

"He's fine and is training as normal with the team this morning."

Ronaldo came on as a substitute in the final 30 minutes of his team's 1-0 Carling Cup defeat to Derby County last night.

Crash Investigators At The Scene

Sky News



Palestine Embassy Thanks Kanouté For Support

Freddy Kanouté has proved on many occasions during his career that he wants to use his footballing talent to help other causes, and last night the Malian bought off-the-field events to light again.

After scoring against Deportivo La Coruña in the Copa Del Rey, the striker lifted his top to reveal a t-shirt, with the word Palestine written across it.

The message was a simple show of support for the Palestinian cause in the Middle-East, and today, it received thanks from the Palestine embassy.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Mahmud Aluanen, counsellor for the embassy, expressed his gratitude to Kanouté, and said that he believes many back in his country will be grateful too.

"It is a very important step," he began.

"The Sevilla striker has shown himself to be very brave by supporting our region in a public act like he did.

"Sportsmen are human beings, and they cannot hide their feelings. They have all the right in the world to express their opinions in areas that question human rights. I am sure that all Palestinian children, who love Spanish football, will be moved by this gesture."

Kanouté has been a staunch follower of Islam since he turned 20 and back in 2006/2007 refused to wear a shirt sponsored by gambling website 888.com, because betting is against Islamic principles.

On this occasion it seems that he could face a fine for his actions though, but he was defended in part by the Israeli ambassador in Spain, who said he does not believe it will generate violence.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Raphael Schutz, called for everyone to come together in a bid for peace, and confirmed he did not have an opinion on the incident.

"We all have to act together so that there can be peace in the region...The mixture of politics and sport can sometimes be bad, but not when there is a very specific opinion on display. I believe that [Michael] Owen did something similar to show his support for dock workers in Liverpool, and that had a positive reaction," he mused.

"One must respect the action, but I do not have a clear opinion. I do not believe it will generate violence, I saw the game, and the shirt said nothing more than Palestine. There was no incitement against Israel and I do not believe it will start any violence." Goal



Podolski: Völller Tells Me To Pick Roma

Lukas Podolski has become one of the most sought-after strikers in the transfer market after Bayern Munich decided to put him up for sale.

A number of top European sides are said to be eager to reel him in but former Roma legend Rudi Völller has advised him to pull on the Giallorossi colours.

“He has enthusiastically described his adventure in Rome and told me about how wonderful the fans are,” the German international said in an interview with newspaper Il Tempo.

“I think there are many similarities between Köln and Roma, and I know that I would find a very passionate environment.”

The Polish-born hitman grew up near Köln and played for the Bundesliga side until 2006, when he was snapped up by Bayern.

“I have not been contacted by the Giallorossi directors so far, but I cannot deny that a move to Italy would definitely appeal to me,” the 23-year-old continued. “Luca Toni has told me that I would like it in Italy and could improve as a player. Furthermore, I cannot underestimate that Roma play in the Champions League and have great players such as Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.” Goal



Agüero Selects Xavi And Fabregas In His Team Of 2008

Sergio Agüero has today followed his close friend and international team-mate, Lionel Messi, by selecting his team of 2008, and this time there IS a place for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi left the Portuguese winger out of his ideal eleven, but Agüero decided to include him in the team, published by uefa.com, describing him as an 'exceptional player.'

Elsewhere in midfield he has a strong Spanish presence with both Xavi, the best central midfielder he says he has seen in recent years, and Cesc Fabregas, who he says 'always leads the team forward.'

The other midfielder in the team is Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery, who Agüero says reminds him of Carlos Tevez.

In goal the Argentine selected Petr Cech, because he has 'all the qualities a good goalkeeper should have', and in defence he went for an all-Premiership selection.

Bacary Sagna is at right-back, with Rio Ferdinand, 'the rock of Manchester United's defence', and Ricardo Carvalho in the middle, and Patrice Evra at left-back, because he likes the attacking side of his game.

The biggest surprises come up front though, where Agüero has decided to pick two players from Serie A.

Firstly he chose Alessandro Del Piero, describing him as 'inexhaustible' and 'evergreen', and then he picked Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who he thinks is the best player in the world next to Ronaldo, and is the 'complete striker'.

In charge of this dream team he would have Sir Alex Ferguson, because he is a 'true gentleman at all times', and because he never 'loses direction.' Goal

Sergio Agüero's team of 2008

Goalkeeper: Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
He has all the qualities that a good goalkeeper should have: the physique, reflexes, confidence and personality.

Right-back: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal FC)
He has everything you need to be a Premier League right-back; he is steady in defence, especially man-on-man, and makes no mistakes in attack.

Central defender: Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United FC)
He is the rock in Manchester United's defence. He's great in the air and his personality is strong too.

Central defender: Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC)
The Portugal defender has a great presence and he covers his team-mates' backs well.

Left-back: Patrice Evra (Manchester United FC)
I like the attacking side of his game. He is good in the air and has lots of power. He gives my team security.

Right midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
Considered by many to be the best player in the world, it is a pleasure to watch him play. Anyone who pays to go and watch him will be rewarded by his dazzling skills. He's an exceptional player.

Central midfield: Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
He is the best central midfielder I have seen in recent years. Barcelona's most colourful play starts at his feet. He always has excellent positioning.

Attacking midfield: Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC)
He is of the same school of thought as Xavi and is the key man for Arsenal and it's the same for Spain. He always leads the team forward.

Left midfield: Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern München)
He is Bayern's biggest threat and was voted best player in the Bundesliga in 2007/08. His style of play reminds me a lot of Carlos Tévez.

Forward: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)
Inexhaustible, he never gets tired of scoring. His quality is evergreen. It is his strength that has allowed Juventus to take big steps in the UEFA Champions League.

Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Internazionale Milano)
He has the ability to destabilise opponents. Next to Ronaldo he is the best player in the world at the moment. He is the complete striker.

Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC)
I revere Sir Alex. He is a true gentleman at all times. He never loses direction and, according to my team-mates that have played under him, he always has just the right words to order the team when they're on the pitch. UEFA.com