You show-off! As Schuster makes a Real play for Ronaldo, Roma put the boot in

It is truly worth the admission price alone. What a pity then that the Serie A club yesterday proved themselves to be such poor losers.

As Luciano Spalletti's players came to terms with another humbling experience at the hands of Manchester United, they turned their disappointment into bilious attacks on Cristiano Ronaldo.

To neutral observers, Ronaldo's contribution to United's 2-0 win on Tuesday night was decisive in all the right ways as the 23-year-old produced a goal and a performance of courage in the face of some enthusiastic Italian tackling.

Sadly, that is not how the Romans saw it. To them, Ronaldo had overdone the extravagance.

Midfielder David Pizarro said: 'There is no doubt that Ronaldo has quality, but it is also true that he has a big head.

'Some of his little tricks in the middle of the pitch were unnecessary and he needs to show some respect to his opposition.

'You can bet that we will have something to say about it in the return leg.

'We played our game and are disappointed we weren't able to make the most of our chances. Games are decided by certain moments, but I'd be interested to see how many shots they had.

'It just went badly even though we created plenty and if we had been able to convert our opportunities, we wouldn't have lost.

'We still believe in our Champions League chances — this team will never give up.'

Despite Pizarro's sour grapes, Ronaldo's form has been so good this season that Spanish club Real Madrid continue to covet him.

In comments likely to anger United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Real coach Bernd Schuster said last night: 'Right now Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but Manchester don't want to sell him.

'So, in the short term, I don't think it will be possible to sign him. But in a couple of years, yes, I believe he could be wearing the white shirt at the Bernabeu.

'He's the star at Old Trafford and until they win the Champions League and another league title or two then they aren't going to let him go.

'For me, Ronaldo has already overtaken Kaka after the loss of form of the Brazilian at Milan this season. One day he will be with us.'

If Pizarro's self-belief and confidence in his team-mates are admirable then his reflections on Ronaldo's efforts seem a little sour.

There were moments during Tuesday's game when Ronaldo went down easily under challenges and his habit of waving both arms at officials in exasperation — sometimes with justification, sometimes without — is one that he may wish to lose.

There were, however, few signs of the alleged showboating that would appear to have upset Roma so much.

Even former Italy international and current Roma director Bruno Contio joined in last night when he appeared to suggest he would like to have seen Ronaldo kicked off the field.

Conti, also a former Roma coach, said: 'It was too much, what he did. That is not the way to play. I would never have done that and Roma players now would never do that.

'There has to be some respect in football. If you are as good and as talented as Ronaldo is then you don't have to do these things, surely.

'I sat in the stands watching it and it gave me no pleasure. I felt for the Roma players and I was not surprised how they reacted. I know what I would have done to him.'

Yesterday, Ronaldo was made aware of the Italians' smear attempts and was quick to respond.

He said: 'I've not been taking the mickey or playing the fool with anybody. On the field I respect my adversary. If someone thinks my moves are mockery then they are wrong.

'If I have a certain attitude it's simply because I've always had it and I will continue to do that. I play for the team and not to show off.'

Given the mood of Spalletti's players ahead of next week's second leg, Ferguson will give some thought to starting the game with his star player on the substitutes' bench. It is, however, unlikely to happen.

Ronaldo has his eyes on a first Champions League triumph, and said: 'It's a great competition and, therefore, it would be such a great experience to win it.

'Every one of the lads wants to win not just the Champions League but the Premier League, too. And we know we have a good chance because we are in such a good position.'