Blatter comments a ‘lack of respect’: Carlo Ancelotti
31 Oct 2013 5:29 AM IST
The 77-year-old described the Portuguese as being ‘like a commander on the pitch’ and joked he spent more money on his hairstyle than Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in an audience with Oxford University students last week.
Those comments have been met with fury in Madrid as Ronaldo aims to topple Messi to win the Balon d’Or for the first time in five years after both men were nominated in the 23-man shortlist for the award on Tuesday.
And Ancelotti confirmed that Real president Florentino Perez has sent a letter to FIFA asking them to rectify Blatter’s comments. ‘It seems to me like a lack of respect,’ Ancelotti said on Tuesday. ‘I haven’t spoken with Cristiano about it. Today he trained very well as he always
does.
‘He shows every day that he is great player. He is serious, professional and respects everyone. ‘I know that our president has sent a letter to FIFA.’ On the field, Real have been boosted by the return of Xabi Alonso, who could make his first appearance of the season against Sevilla on Wednesday as Los Blancos look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.
The Spanish international hasn’t played since the Copa del Rey final in May as he was first sidelined by a groin problem and then a broken bone in his foot. Alonso’s presence was badly missed at the Camp Nou as Ancelotti resorted to playing central defender Sergio Ramos in the heart of his midfield, and the Italian recognises the importance that the former Liverpool man’s return should have on the team.
‘He is available. Tomorrow he could start on the bench and I will try to give him some minutes.’
Those comments have been met with fury in Madrid as Ronaldo aims to topple Messi to win the Balon d’Or for the first time in five years after both men were nominated in the 23-man shortlist for the award on Tuesday.
And Ancelotti confirmed that Real president Florentino Perez has sent a letter to FIFA asking them to rectify Blatter’s comments. ‘It seems to me like a lack of respect,’ Ancelotti said on Tuesday. ‘I haven’t spoken with Cristiano about it. Today he trained very well as he always
does.
‘He shows every day that he is great player. He is serious, professional and respects everyone. ‘I know that our president has sent a letter to FIFA.’ On the field, Real have been boosted by the return of Xabi Alonso, who could make his first appearance of the season against Sevilla on Wednesday as Los Blancos look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.
The Spanish international hasn’t played since the Copa del Rey final in May as he was first sidelined by a groin problem and then a broken bone in his foot. Alonso’s presence was badly missed at the Camp Nou as Ancelotti resorted to playing central defender Sergio Ramos in the heart of his midfield, and the Italian recognises the importance that the former Liverpool man’s return should have on the team.
‘He is available. Tomorrow he could start on the bench and I will try to give him some minutes.’
Next Story
