After the incident, Ronaldo feared of being castigated upon his return to Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. While he was booed during away matches, Ronaldo was adored at Old Trafford. He repayed this with more than 20 goals in all competitions last season. With his mazy runs and brilliant goal-scoring instincts, he played an important role in the Red Devils' recapture of the Premiership crown in the 2006-2007 season and its remarkable run in the Champions League and the FA Cup. His exploits earned him the EPL Player of the Year award.
Ronaldo got off to a bad start this season. He saw red in only the second match of the season against Portsmouth. The match ended at 1-all. Provoked, he allegedly head-butted Richard Hughes, prompting referee to flash a straight red card. The infraction came with an automatic 3-match ban.
But if Ronaldo had his moments of infamy, he also had a moment of unrivaled class. It happened last night when Man United defeated Ronaldo's former club, Sporting Lisbon, 1-0, in its opening Champions League match.
Ronaldo scored on a diving header from a Wes Brown cross in the 62nd minute.
His teammates, of course, savored the moment. But Ronaldo was subdued. He ditched his trademark emotion-packed celebration and made an apologetic gesture as he streaked through the goal-line infront of Sporting fans, the same people who embraced him when he was still an obscure teenager (Ronaldo transferred to Man Utd in 2003 for $12M).
When he was substituted four minutes from time, Sporting fans showed their appreciation for the 21-year-old Ronaldo, giving him a laud applause as he left the pitch.
The scenes were replayed several times. And it made me admire Ronaldo even more, because for all his football wizardry, Ronaldo's gesture illustrated the maturity and class worth emulating as a person. His humility epitomized the respect he had for a club that helped nurture and develop his talent.
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