LuNo

"Match against Poverty"

"Match against Poverty"

"Match against Poverty"

"Match against Poverty"

RONIE: GOOD SENSATIONS "My sensations are good, even though it was not a real game, but a spectacular one, to entertain the people. I tried to move and I enjoyed myself." - THE DECLARATIONS OF RONALDO - MILANELLO - These are the declarations of Ronaldo to Milan Channel at the end of the afternoon training session of the Rossoneri. Ronie, are you happy to have returned for Monday's friendly game at Malaga, 'Friends of Zidane' against 'Friends of Ronaldo'? "Yes, I'm really happy. It was very beautiful because this friendly game has proven to be a great success. I must thank all the people who in the last three weeks have purchased all the tickets. I also want to thank all the sponsors and especially the players who have proven to be helpful for this event. It was a nice evening." What have been your sensations in returning to play in front of the public? "My sensations have been good, even though it was not a real game, but more of a show, to entertain the people. I tried to move and I enjoyed myself." If you were ready to go on the pitch for some minutes at Bergamo against Atalanta, now at Cagliari you can play from the first minute? "Yes, I was ready. At Bergamo I was called-up because I was ready and now I wait for another call-up because I feel ready to play."

Hair-brain: AC Milan's Ronaldo secret uncovered Flamengo are hatching plans to bring AC Milan striker Ronaldo back to Brazil in January. It's emerged that Flamengo's board are locked in talks with Nestle about a big sponsorship deal to fund the signing of the former World Player of the Year. Nestle are prepared to back the bid - if Flamengo qualify for next year's Copa Libertadores. Meanwhile, O Globo says the motivation of Ronaldo not to shave his head any longer is because he's about to sign an endorsement deal with hair-loss company Crescina.

Ronaldo: Protect Adriano Ronaldo believes he knows how Adriano can be returned to his former glory. “He needs help, protection and to play football.” L’Imperatore has flown to Brazil for two months in a specialist rehabilitation clinic to recuperate his physical and psychological form. He won’t pick up wages from Inter during that time and it is widely reported he will move on in January regardless of how the experiment goes. “Adriano needs help and to play football,” Ronaldo told ‘Sky Italia television. “I speak very often with him, but it is pointless saying here what I think because it could cause some controversy.” Ronnie has been critical of former club Inter for their treatment of him and seems to be implying Adriano has not received the help he needs from Roberto Mancini. “All Adriano needs is help, protection and to play, but his Coach has not allowed him to do that. So many things written in the newspapers about him are exaggerated.” Adri has often been lambasted in the media for an alleged partying lifestyle, while Coach Roberto Mancini has also repeatedly pointed out he must “embrace the lifestyle of an athlete.” While his agent has denied reports of a loan move to a Brazilian club, other European sides are lining up to revitalise the Brazilian. It is now claimed that Werder Bremen have made an official bid for Adriano, offering an option on 22-year-old Selecao talent Diego in exchange. Meanwhile, Ronaldo too has been linked with a move away from San Siro, as there are suggestions in ‘O Globo’ that Flamengo would bring him in with sponsors Nestle paying his princely wages.

Michael & Ronaldo

"Match against Poverty"

"Match against Poverty"

Michael Schumacher joins FIA Foundation Michael Schumacher has been elected as a member of the FIA Foundation Board of Trustees at the charity's 2007 annual meeting. Schumacher, has been a strong supporter of FIA Foundation road safety initiatives in recent years. He is currently supporting the Make Roads Safe campaign as a member of the Commission for Global Road Safety and was previously an ambassador for the Think Before You Drive campaign, together with former Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello. Schumacher also had a committed involvement in motor sport safety issues during his racing career, including active participation in the detailed work of safety technical committees. David Ward, FIA Foundation Director General, said: "We are delighted that Michael has agreed to join our Board of Trustees. The Board has a vital role in approving and providing strategic advice and oversight for all the Foundation's activities, in road safety, environmental issues and motor sport safety. Michael's insight and experience will be tremendously valuable to our work." Schumacher commented: "I have worked closely with the FIA Foundation as a road safety campaigner and have seen first-hand what an important contribution it has to make on this critical issue. I look forward to helping the Foundation in my new role as Trustee." The FIA Foundation also welcomes David Njoroge, Director General of the Automobile Association of Kenya, to the Board of Trustees. Njoroge has an impressive track record in building and leading his organization. He is a passionate advocate for road safety in his native Kenya, where he is a member of the National Road Safety Council, and has been working with the FIA Foundation and other road safety organisations to promote road safety across the continent as the African member of the Commission for Global Road Safety.

Schumacher gearing up for RoC race return With exactly one month to go before the world's best drivers descend on London's Wembley Stadium for The Race of Champions, Michael Schumacher has been warming up for his return to racing. The seven-time Formula One champion has revisited former team Ferrari in a testing role, setting the fastest time on both days in Barcelona earlier this week despite being away from the sport for one year. When asked whether the absence would affect his performance in The Race of Champions, where he will compete against fellow motorsport champions including World Rally leader Marcus Grönholm, four-time Champ Car Champion Sébastien Bourdais and double World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx, the racing legend was circumspect. "Well, of course I hope not!" said Schumacher, who will partner F1 newcomer Sebastian Vettel for Team Germany in the ROC Nations Cup. "It might have even heightened my motivation to drive, as I have seen when testing the F1 for Ferrari. On the other hand you never know; it is clear that practice helps a lot," he added. Now the German superstar is looking forward to testing his metal again against the best in the world at Wembley Stadium next month, when the national stadium will be transformed into a tarmac race track to facilitate this champion of champions decider. "I can tell you that I had never in my life a bad feeling getting behind the wheel of a car," said Schumacher, who says he has no nerves about his competitive return. "No, I look forward to finally getting out there. The Race of Champions is just a great event." Schumacher competed in The Race of Champions 2004 at the Stade de France in Paris. He reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Heikki Kovalainen, who now drives for Renault F1.

Ronaldo, Zidane return to Spain for UN-sponsored Anti-Poverty match MALAGA, Spain - AC Milan's Ronaldo and retired French international Zinedine Zidane returned to Spain for the first time since their playing days at Real Madrid to face each other in a star-studded United Nations charity match on Monday. Ronaldo and Zidane are goodwill ambassadors for UNDP, a United Nations development program which organized the fifth Match Against Poverty. Zidane scored from a free kick and set up the other in the 2-2 draw before 33,000 fans at La Rosaleda. It was Ronaldo's first match of the season, having injured his thigh during Milan's training camp. But it was Zidane who stole the show early, mobbed by children - and some young adults - after they broke through security barriers before the start of the match, the former Madrid maestro's first on Spanish soil in a year and a half. Zidane sent his free kick area into the defensive wall in the 11th minute, deflecting to beat diving FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Ronaldo, who left Madrid in January, had his side's best chance in the opening half when he managed a shot from close range only for Peter Jehle to knock away with a reaction save. Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher and golfer Sergio Garcia also were featured. "I'm very happy. The fans have been fantastic," Ronaldo said after being replaced by Almeria's Alvaro Negredo in the 30th minute. "We're famous people. Fans follow us and listen to us. So we need to use this for a good cause." Zidane reached a flick-on in the 44th only to hit the post, the rebound landing at Roque Junior's feet for an easy score. "I'm very tired," joked Zidane after coming off in the 57th. "But for as long as I can, I will continue to play in this game." Julios Dos Santos' header in the 61st cut the lead in half before Negredo equalized for Ronaldo's side four minutes later. Schumacher, who had several chances, side-footed wide from close in the 82nd. Garcia, playing down the left wing, set up Sevilla striker Renato for two close chances in the final minutes. Pierluigi Collina of Italy came out of retirement to referee the match for the second straight year.