Ronaldo wins libel damages from tabloid

Cristiano Ronaldo won libel damages from a British tabloid newspaper over claims he was fined by Manchester United for using a cell phone during a training session.

Cristiano Ronaldo won libel damages Thursday from a British tabloid newspaper over claims he was fined by Manchester United for using a cell phone during a training session.

Attorney Simon Smith told London’s High Court that The Sun’s report suggested “wholly unprofessional and arrogant behaviour” by the Portugal winger in using his phone four times on United’s training pitches in a single day.

Ronaldo accepted undisclosed damages from News Group Newspapers, publisher of Britain’s biggest selling daily newspaper, which falsely said he had been ordered to pay a fine of 8,000 pounds (US$16,130; euro10,500) by manager Alex Ferguson.

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“I felt it necessary to bring this action in order to protect my reputation as a professional footballer,” said Ronaldo, who has donated his payout to a charity in Portugal. “Contrary to the impression the article gave, I take training very seriously and do not want people to think I do not try my best in training.

“I’m glad something good has come out of this and that a charity I care about will receive the damages.” Ronaldo is currently at the European Championship with Portugal, which was to play Germany on Thursday in the quarterfinals.