Ronaldo: The biggest blow

Ronaldo: The biggest blow
(PA) Wednesday 27 May 2009
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Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that the UEFA Champions League defeat to Barcelona was one of the biggest disappointments of his career.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were enough to overcome Manchester United in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, denying Sir Alex Ferguson's men the chance to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy since it was rebranded in 1992.

Ronaldo did cause the Catalans some early problems, but ultimately the Portuguese winger faded like his team, with Messi now looking to have won the unofficial battle for best player in the world bragging rights. "This is one of the biggest disappointments of my career," said Ronaldo. "We were always confident before the game but unfortunately we couldn't do it."
Barcelona are a brilliant team. Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world in my opinion.
United's Wayne Rooney after losing the Champions League final

Speculation is now bound to surface once more about whether the 24-year-old has played his final game for the Old Trafford outfit. It was not a subject up for discussion this evening as Ronaldo came to terms with the defeat. "It is always bad when you lose a final," said Ronaldo. "But we didn't play well. We did okay in the first ten minutes but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win."

Wayne Rooney was equally distressed at United's first European final defeat, although few would argue Barcelona fully deserved their victory. "It is a big disappointment but Barcelona were the better team," said the England forward. "They scored two good goals and unfortunately for us, they came at good times. That made it very difficult for us.

"Barcelona are a brilliant team. Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world in my opinion," Rooney went on. "If you don't take your chances against them, they will punish you and that is what has happened. It is very disappointing and the feeling at the moment is not a good one. We are hurting. But we have to forget it and look forward to next season."