WHAT A WASTE

Last updated : 04 September 2002 By editor

‘Less than 24 hours after being paraded in front of 65,000 fans, the World Cup's top scorer strained a thigh muscle in the same leg that troubled him for much of last season’, reports the Guardian.

‘Ronaldo is almost certain to miss Real's opening Champions League group game against Roma on September 17, though yesterday he played down the setback. "I am going to take my time, make sure I don't rush things and concentrate on enjoying playing again," he said after training.

"I have a small muscle strain, but nothing serious. I hardly did any pre-season training because of the negotiations over the transfer and this sort of thing is not a surprise.

"As for the knee, it is in very good shape - I showed that in the World Cup and I will be able to keep showing it."