LuNo

Ronaldo 'sorry' about encounter with cross-dressing prostitutes SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Brazil striker Ronaldo says he's sorry, embarrassed and ashamed about his highly publicized encounter a week ago with three cross-dressing prostitutes, calling it the biggest mistake of his life. In an interview on Brazil's Globo TV, the AC Milan striker on Sunday denied claims by one of the prostitutes that he had sex with them and used drugs, but admitted that the incident will haunt the rest of his career. "It was an isolated and stupid act,'' the three-time FIFA player of the year said on Globo's hugely popular Fantastico program. "I'm sorry and ashamed.'' In a halting voice, Ronaldo said he wasn't aware the prostitutes were cross-dressers until he got to a motel with them, discovered they were men and decided not to have sex with them because he is heterosexual. Ronaldo, who plays for Italian club AC Milan but is recovering from knee surgery in Brazil, also said he had been drinking earlier that night after watching Rio's Flamengo win against rival Botafogo - but was not drunk. "I made the stupidest mistake ever of my personal life,'' he said. "Anyone can make a mistake, and I made a big mistake.'' Police are investigating the case to determine whether an extortion attempt was made against Ronaldo, but have said he committed no crime. Prostitution is legal in Brazil. The television appearance by Ronaldo was his first in public since last Tuesday, when he went into hiding after the run-in with the prostitutes, who created a brief media sensation in Brazil with days of high-profile interviews. The comments by Ronaldo to Globo jibed with his statement last week to police and with interviews conducted with detectives. The motel manager - identified only as Luisa - said Ronaldo, who was dressed and appeared to be sober, tried to get rid of the prostitutes after realizing they were men. She told police Ronaldo offered the prostitutes US$600 (?390) to end the incident but they would not accept dollars. The manager then converted the money into Brazilian reals for Ronaldo, but before he made the payment one prostitute asked for 50,000 reals (US$30,000; ?19,400) to keep the story from the media, according to a police document. Ronaldo is a fan of Flamengo and has said he wants to play for the Brazilian club before retiring. He has won two World Cups with Brazil, including in 2002 when he scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany. Ronaldo told Globo TV that his contract with AC Milan ends in June, but that he won't start negotiating about his comeback with any teams until he recovers from his injury. "I'm sure the doors of Flamengo will be open for me,'' he said.

'Crying Game' incident leaves Ronaldo devastated Brazilian striker Ronaldo fears his reputation has been ruined forever after his 'shameful' run-in with transvestites in Rio de Janeiro last week. 'I've done something really stupid in my personal life,' the AC Milan player said in an interview with Globo television on Sunday. 'We are all subject to making mistakes and I made a mistake in looking for this. I did not at any moment know they were tranvestites,' the 31-year-old added in his first public appearance since the incident last Monday. 'I cried a lot afterwards. I was incredibly ashamed.' Police said Ronaldo, who is recovering from a knee injury, went to a motel in Rio's upmarket Barra da Tijuca district with three call girls only to find out they weretransvestites. The police have said they are considering charging one of the transvestites with extortion and stealing Ronaldo's driving licence. Ronaldo, who gave the interview at his plush seaside mansion in Angra dos Reis, admitted the incident had done irreparable damage to his reputation. 'This was the worst decision of my personal life,' he said. 'It took on a very big dimension and had worldwide repercussion. It will stain my personal life forever.' 'For the sensationalist media, this has had a bigger impact than the World Cup,' said Ronaldo, who scored both goals when Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final. He said the fateful evening had began after he had a 'silly' fight with his girlfriend. 'I did not know they were transvestites, I'm completely heterosexual,' he said. 'When we got to the place, I concluded that they were transvestites. 'I tried to stop there and go home - it was here that the extortion started. 'I wanted to finish by paying what we had agreed. Two accepted but the third didn't want to accept and asked an absurd quantity for it not to come out in the media.' Ronaldo added: 'I preferred to face the situation head on rather than be extorted.' He said his girlfriend had reacted furiously, though she later supported him. 'When I told her the story she swore at me. Afterwards she gave me support,' the player said. 'Obviously it was very difficult for her to forgive, we don't know what will happen from now on. 'Behind the personality which I carry, I'm a normal person and I have my weaknesses and my fears. 'I have to reconstruct everything. It's like a house which has been knocked down by a hurricane. Now I have to build it all over again.'

Inzaghi: Milan Makes Me Great AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has attributed his longevity to the quality of his team-mates, especially Brazilian playmaker Kaka… The 34-year-old scored the opener in Milan’s 2-1 derby victory over Internazionale on Sunday, heading home Kaka’s cross from the right. It was the ex-Juventus poacher’s 10th strike in Serie A this season, all of which have come since February, when he netted his first league goal in over a year against Parma. The Italy international has drawn praise from all quarters for his remarkable resurgence and his ability to perform at such a high level in his veteran years. But Inzaghi believes his fellow Rossoneri are as responsible as anyone for his endurance, particular Kaka, with whom he has formed a lethal attacking partnership. "I must thank mother nature, who gave me certain characteristics and certain skills," he said. "Then, there's the fact that we have extraordinary players here, because I think the feeling I have with Kaka is something unique. "Playing with people like him, with Seedorf, with all the players we have at Milan, helps you. This is something that certainly enhances my quality, without a doubt."

Kaka Happy To Deny Inter Scudetto Kaka was delighted to put Inter's Scudetto celebrations on ice for at least another week. The Brazilian was at his sparkling best at San Siro this afternoon, creating the first and scoring the second in the Rossoneri's 2-1 derby victory. The result has seen Milan move into fourth place, following Fiorentina's 2-1 defeat at relegation-struggler's Cagliari. Inter could have clinched the Scudetto had they won this afternoon, however they have now seen their lead at the top of the table over Roma cut to three points. "I hadn't scored and won a game for Milan for quite a while and now it arrived in what was a special derby,” Kaka told Domenica Sportiva. “They could have won the Scudetto and we have fourth place to play for, so today everything went in our favour. "It was a very special derby. We are happy becasue they are not celebrating the Scudetto against Milan and this means alot to us, but the Scudetto is still in their hands. "Milan's two remaining games of the season are tricky, as they face a trip to Napoli next weekend, before concluding their calendar with a home match with UEFA Cup-chasing Udinese.

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter Carlo Garganese rates the players on show at San Siro yesterday afternoon… Kalac – 6.5: Slightly nervy at times but made one excellent stop from Crespo’s one-on-one and also produced a smart stop from Maxwell’s free kick. Bonera - 7: Impressive display from the former Parma man, who was equally adept both defensively and offensively. His crossing was also good. Nesta – 7.5: Proved once again why he is one of, if not the best, centre back in the world. Gave a lesson in the art of slide tackling today. Kaladze – 6.5: The Georgian breezed through the first 60 minutes without working up a sweat, but had to be alert as Inter upped the ante late in the game. Favalli – 7: Excellent in the first half before he was forced off on 41 minutes with an ankle injury. Bombed forward repeatedly down the left-hand side. A real surprise. Ambrosini – 9: Superb in the middle-of-the-park. Ambrosini was first to every ball, got stuck in, distributed well, and was a real leader. Created Kaka’s goal, and won his battle with Vieira hands down. Gattuso – 7.5: Gattuso’s most impressive game for Milan possibly this season. Won every tackle he went in for, and was a real presence. Did tire though and was eventually substituted. Pirlo – 6: Far from his best game, but still Pirlo started many of Milan’s moves with some neat and clever passes. His free kicks were disappointing. Seedorf – 8.5: Such a delight to watch when he in this form. One of the few old-school number 10’s left in the game. Inter could not get the ball off him. Kaka – 8.5: If it wasn’t already evident – Kaka is back. Created Milan’s first for Inzaghi, scored the second, while he also presented SuperPippo with two excellent chances in the first half. Rivas couldn’t handle him. Inzaghi – 8.5: His movement is at times unplayable. Inzaghi broke the deadlock following a trademark run to the near post. He could have scored four today, twice being denied by Julio Cesar, and heading centimetres wide. Must go to Euro 2008. Subs: Jankulovski 6, Brocchi 6, Pato 5.5

Milan: Kalac, Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli (Jankulovski - 41'), Gattuso (Brocchi - 67'), Pirlo, Ambrosini, Kak

Milan: Kalac, Bonera, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli (Jankulovski - 41'), Gattuso (Brocchi - 67'), Pirlo, Ambrosini, Kak