Former Portugal manager giving a few words of advice during preparations for the Euro 2008

Above is the Portugal team bus during Euro 2008, complete with autographs. Inside. a shirtless Ricardo Quaresma is staring out.

Former French International, Zinedine Zidane reported to Media on Sunday regarding Real Madrid’s interest in Cristiano Ronaldo. Saying that the Spanish Champions are ready to pay a record breaking fee to bring the young star to Spain.

“Real would not be frightened of paying a large sum of money because in the past every time they have wanted a player they have managed to bring him to Madrid,” Zidane told a news conference.

“Obviously, it will be up to the player. If he wants to go, one day or another he will be at Real Madrid.”

The record for the highest paid transfer fee is held by Real Madrid when they paid 78 million euros to Juventus in 2001 for Zidane, who touched on the subject by saying he hopes Real Madrid pay more for Ronaldo than they did for him, that it would be a weight lifted off his shoulders.

Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or

“I think he’s had a superb season, he won the (English) championship and the Champions League,” said Zidane, who retired after the 2006 World Cup final, at an Adidas event.

“I think he stopped at the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 because facing him was a great Germany team who caused (Portugal) a lot of problems.

“It doesn’t take anything away from the success that he’s had all year, I think he’s not far away from winning the Ballon d’Or and it would be deserved.”

The Italian daily, Tuttosport has calculated Portugal to be the most expensive team to buy at this year’s Euro tournament. Combining paid transfer fees, release clauses and realistic player value estimates, Tuttosport has come up with a figure of €300m for the Portuguese Squad. Spain is the only other participating country who come close to that honor.

Cristiano Ronaldo is valued at €100m (speculated Real Madrid offer to Manchester United), which is a slight increase from €83m ‘intrinsic value’ which was recently published by The University of Navarra, in Spain.

Ricardo Quaresma has a written ‘buy-out’ clause in his contract of €40m. should he leave, FC Porto will receive 75% of that.

Nani and Simao went for a total of €45.5m between the pair. Nani moving to Manchester United and Simao to Atletico Madrid a year ago.

Deco and young rising star, Moutinho are said to be valued in the 8 figure range if they leave their respective clubs this summer.

Jose Bosingwa is going to Chelsea next year. Chelsea paid a price of €25m. Other Chelsea men, Ricardo Carvalho at €30m and Paulo Ferreira €20m.

Pepe moved on to Real Madrid at a price of €30m.

Portugal’s National teams are known for playing the “Beautiful Game”, filled by great passes and individual dribbling skills. At prices like these, it seems that Portuguese players will be entertaining for their supporters and neutrals alike.

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The Portuguese National Team confronted group rivals Czech Republic, in a game which would ultimately put Portugal into the quarter-finals of this year’s Euro tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo proved why he is undoubtedly the world’s best footballer by having a say in all three Portuguese goals versus the Czech Republic.

In the first eight minutes of the game, Portugal International and Barcelona star, Deco, put away Portugal’s first goal of the game, after Ronaldo beat Czech goaltender, Cech to the ball. The loose ball was picked up by Deco and shot past Czech defenders.

First half ended in a 1 – 1 draw.

In the 63rd minute of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament. Deco made a brilliant pass just outside the Czech box. Ronaldo struck to put Portugal in front for the second time in the game.

Portugal would put the game away with minutes left in the game, after a quick free kick sent Ronaldo on a break-away. Ronaldo elected to pass the ball to newly substituted Quaresma, who tapped the ball into the back of the net, putting Portugal in front by two.

The game ended 3 – 1 for Portugal.

Turkey beat Switzerland in their game, putting Portugal through to the knock out stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another award to his growing collection, but this one isn’t for his familiar dribbling skills or scoring abilities. This award labels him ‘The Most Beautiful Player Of The Tournament’.

LG electronics polled 12,000 women across Europe to name the most handsome player in this year’s Euro Championship, and Portugal International, Cristiano Ronaldo took the honors.

According to the LG Poll, Cristiano’s ‘talent and Latin good looks’ won him the title.

French forward Thierry Henry came in second, ahead of injured Italian skipper Fabio Cannavaro and Freddie Ljungberg of Sweden who drew for third place.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest fans apparently hailed from Italy, Germany and Sweden.

The Portuguese National Team played their first game of this year’s EURO competition versus Turkey on Saturday June 7.

Portugal defender Pepe seemed as though he had scored in the 17 minute mark of the game, but the goal was called back. Pepe was slightly offside, however it wouldn’t prevent the defender from staying off the score sheet. At the 61st minute of the game, Pepe scored a great goal which was fabricated from a fantastic three way passing play which was started by the defender.

Portugal would score again into added time, on a play which was started by Cristiano Ronaldo. Raul Meireles was the recipient of Moutinho’s pass to set him passed the goalkeeper.

Cristiano Ronaldo came very close to scoring from a free kick, but the Turkish goalkeeper made a brilliant save. The tipped shot deflected off the post.

Portugal lead their group with three points. The Czech Republic are in second with three points as well, but one less goal.

Portugal meets the Czech Republic on Wednesday June 11, 2008.

The Portuguese National Team held their first of two open practices Tuesday evening at the Maladiere stadium, in Switzerland. The Stadium was abuzz with 12,000 strong who had paid 10 euros per ticket to watch Portugal train for Saturday’s game versus Turkey. Reports coming out of Portuguese Television RTP had scalpers asking for as much as 40 euros per ticket.

The crowd, whom were garbed in Portugal’s traditional colors of red, green and gold, cheered as the team took to the pitch. Several seconds later, when Cristiano Ronaldo stepped into view, the noise level increased into a roar as the crowd cheered.

Reporters have been banned by the Portuguese National Team from asking questions regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. Their media officers refuse any questions which is not EURO tournament based.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Lisbon Portugal tired, but focused on leading the Portuguese National Team to victory. The Manchester United player is intent on training hard and playing his best in this year’s Euro Cup.

After a very successful year, Ronaldo is not satisfied and promises more. “I’m able to imagine myself at a better level because I always want to improve. I’m going to try to equal the best”. I await doing well because the most important thing is for the team to reach it’s objectives.”

The football star said that he has no intention of placing anymore bets with Ferguson regarding how many goals he’ll be able to score for the Red Devils. He went on to say that it would be fantastic to see The Portuguese National Team win a European title.

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