Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

Danny Cipriani
Ronaldo of rugby: Danny Cipriani is set for a comeback after four months out

Cipriani: Don’t call me rugby’s Ronaldo

Chris Jones, Evening Standard
29 Sep 2008


Danny Cipriani, who could return to action on Wednesday night, has tried to damp down his celebrity image by claiming: "I am not rugby's answer to Cristiano Ronaldo."

Cipriani will make his comeback after four months out with a serious ankle injury when playing for London Wasps in their Premiership match against Bath at Wycombe knowing his fame both on and off the pitch is reaching new heights.

The 20-year-old has recently hit the headlines thanks to a new relationship with actress/model Kelly Brook, while a weekend Sunday magazine cover shoot had him dressed like James Bond and surrounded by beautiful women.

But Cipriani said today: "I don't go clubbing so much these days and people are just trying to label me.

"I don't really understand it but I suppose people have a job to do.

"I'm a very focused guy and while it's very flattering for Lawrence Dallaglio to say I could by rugby's Cristiano Ronaldo, I'm not trying to be the answer to anything.

"I just want to be me and play rugby. Ronaldo is a quality player and, yes, it's a nice label to have attached to you. But all I'm thinking about is getting on to the pitch again."

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Andre Villas-Boas has an impossible job at Chelsea, says Porto president Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas' efforts to turn around Chelsea are being damaged by Jose Mourinho's regular contact with the players, it is claimed
  • Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day Chris Powell Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager Chris Powell is pleased the issue is now being...
  • FA long game will only make muddle worse Alf Ramsey Patrick Barclay: According to Graham Taylor, it can take a manager 18 months to adjust from club football to the different...
  • PFA urged John Terry to quit England captaincy for European Championships John Terry Exclusive: John Terry refused a plea from the Professional Footballers' Association to step down as England captain until...
  • Has Arsene Wenger really found a new batch of San Siro heroes? Cesc Fabregas The Champions League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan will determine whether critics are right to question the strength and ability of...
  • Carlos Tevez targets Manchester City return in two weeks Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez was due to arrive in England this morning determined to win back his place in the Manchester City team and prepared to...
  • Rangers appoint administrators  Craig Whyte Rangers have today appointed administrators Duff and Phelps after a court battle with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs
  • Nicky Maynard itching to make his West Ham debut against Southampton Nicky Maynard Nicky Maynard is confident that he will be able to score if called upon to make his West Ham debut in the club's top-of-the-table showdown...
  • Ravi Bopara and Steven Finn turn tide to stop tour sliding into a complete disaster Ravi Bopara England have won a match and for their next trick they plan to win a series. Anything is possible now after their victory in the opening...
  • Portsmouth prepare for 10-point penalty Fratton Park Portsmouth are set to go into administration for the second time in two years leaving the club facing a 10-point penalty
  •