Lisbon, Nov 13: Manchester United's new teen sensation Cristiano Ronaldo has blasted the British media for publishing a steady stream of "exaggerated" accounts of his private life since he joined the club in August.
"It is a bit sad to read and hear certain news reports which have nothing to do with reality," Ronaldo, in his native Portugal to prepare for the under-21 clash against France, told reporters.
"Everyone has to do their job, I know, but they exaggerate a bit," Portuguese sports daily Record quoted the 18-year-old as saying.
Since Ronaldo signed from Sporting Lisbon in August for 12.2 million pounds (20 million dollars), making him the most expensive teenager in British football history, the British media have published numerous accounts of his private life.

Despite this intense media attention Ronaldo, who is frequently compared to recently departed Manchester United star David Beckham, said he is happy at Old Trafford.



"With respect to the club, it is living up to everything that I expected," he said. "It was not easy to adapt at the beginning, but with the help of various people, especially my family, everything was resolved.



"The biggest difficulty has been getting used to the weather and the food, which are different from Portugal."



Ronaldo scored his first United goal on November 1 in the 3-0 win over Portsmouth. "It was a tremendous joy. Scoring a goal is always important but it is even more so when you are talking about the first goal wearing a jersey of a new club," he said.



"I was very happy and I hope to repeat it very soon."


Bureau Report