Cristiano Ronaldo's ball control is beyond question but it appears that taming a child's inflatable toy is beyond him.

The Portuguese striker, 23, yesterday frolicked in the Sardinian shallows, trying time and again to mount a blue and yellow rubber deer.

But every time he tried, he plunged back into the Med.

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A flop: Cristiano Ronaldo falls into the Mediterranean waves after he is defeated by an inflatable deer in Sardinia yesterday

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Riding high: Ronaldo looks rather pleased with himself as he gets aboard the toy but it's not long before he's bucked off

Ronaldo is on holiday in Italy with Spanish girlfriend Nereida Gallardo, 24, who comforted her man over his inflatable failings.

To compound his embarrassment, the WAG model has consistently shown she is better at diving than the striker.

It may have been from a boat and not the penalty area but she certainly has more poise - and doesn't cry afterwards.

Sizzling: Ronaldo soaks up the sun - and a bit of romance - with girlfriend Nereida Gallardo

The couple have been relaxing after Portugal lost to Germany in the quarter finals of Euro 2008.

Ms Gallardo also revealed she looks considerably better at the back than the Portuguese defence, which let in three goals forcing their exit from the competition.

The pair are holidaying with friends and spending much of the time on a £10million luxury boat as Ronaldo ponders his future with Manchester United.

Sun lovers: The couple spent another day lounging around on the beach

Stealing kisses: The striker leans in to plant one on his girlfriend

He is being courted by Real Madrid, who are offering the striker a reported £182,000 weekly pay packet, or £9.5million a year.

But the ace isn't letting the decision ruin his holidays and Ms Gallardo sashayed around in a bikini top and tight shorts to take his mind off things.

At least the couple had plenty to talk about after Spain beat Germany 1-0 in last night's final.

Itsy bitsy: Another day, another bikini