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Final Verdict: Jose Mourinho Says Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not A Diver

Angela Asante, September 3 2010,
Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho has come out in defense of Cristiano Ronaldo whom he publicly branded as a top diver a couple of years ago.

Christinao Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho

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CR9 is currently on the sidelines following an ankle injury he picked up against Real Mallorca on the opening day of La Liga. Talking about the star winger, Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho defended Cristiano Ronaldo as he criticized guilty defenders.

“Cristiano is a player who doesn’t have the culture of the swimming pool. He doesn’t have the culture of simulation. He is actually a British-trained player, Ferguson-trained.

“Sometimes, simulators receive more protection whereas honest players often tend to lose. I am not a hypocrite when I say that Cristiano Ronaldo is being hit very hard. But yellow cards don’t arrive are they are slow to be flashed.”

 

In 2008, Jose Mourinho classified Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, and Cristiano Ronaldo as top divers. Now being in charge of Real Madrid, the ex-Inter Milan coach has ruled out his previous statement, declaring:

“I’m no longer Chelsea coach. It’s not my duty to defend them anymore. Either way, I think I’m right to say that Drogba is a diver. Drogba, Ronaldo, Torres, and Van Persie are the divers. Well, who dives more? Who has won more penalties in recent years?

“But English football is the one that criticizes divers the most. I hate diving. Still, I’m not happy if a player is kicked by somebody in the box but tries to remain on his feet.

“It’s very, very rare to see a referee giving a decision if the player doesn’t go down. That’s why I tell players not to be naïve but to be fair.”

Real Madrid will take on Osasuna in La Liga as it resumes next weekend. Los Blancos will then host Ajax in the UEFA Champions League and Cristiano Ronaldo is meant to miss both games.

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