Real Madrid demand apology from Blatter over Ronaldo remarks
Coach Carlo Ancelotti says the Fifa chief's comments 'seems to me like a lack of respect'
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Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid asked Fifa president Sepp Blatter to apologise for making fun of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Blatter recently told an audience at Oxford University in England that Ronaldo is “like a commander on the field of play” before strutting around the stage.
Blatter said he preferred Barcelona rival Lionel Messi. He said Messi was a “good boy”.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said club president Florentino Perez had sent a letter to Blatter asking him to “rectify what I consider a lack of respect for a serious and professional player”.
On Tuesday, Fifa included Ronaldo and Messi among the 23 finalists for the Ballon d’Or award, given to the world player of the year.
On Blatter’s comments, Ancelotti said: “It seems to me like a lack of respect.”
“I haven’t spoken with Cristiano about it. He shows every day that he is great player. He is serious, professional and respects everyone.”
On the field, Real have been boosted by the return of Xabi Alonso, who could make his first appearance of the season against Sevilla on Wednesday as Los Blancos look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.
The Spanish international hasn’t played since the Copa del Rey final in May as he was first sidelined by a groin problem and then a broken bone in his foot.
Alonso’s presence was badly missed at the Camp Nou as Ancelotti resorted to playing central defender Sergio Ramos in the heart of his midfield, and the Italian recognises the importance that the former Liverpool man’s return should have on the team.
“He is available. He could start on the bench and I will try to give him some minutes.
“Xabi has all the quality to be able to help the team play better. He has experience and quality in his passing. Moreover, he has a very good attitude defensively.”
Gareth Bale was also likely to make his first start at the Bernabeu after starting for just the second time in a Madrid shirt against Barcelona.
The Welshman was largely anonymous during his 60 minutes on the field as he flitted between a central position and his more accustomed role on the wing.
Ancelotti reaffirmed that he sees Bale as playing on the right side of Madrid’s attack.
“Against Barcelona he could change his position with [Angel] Di Maria. I think his natural position is on the right and when he plays I think it will be there.”
