2 November 2009 / AP, MADRID
Cristiano Ronaldo wants patience, both from his Real Madrid teammates and the Spanish club’s demanding fans.
The Portugal winger, who moved to Madrid from Manchester United in the offseason, has scored nine goals in seven appearances -- all wins - since leaving England. But an ankle injury has recently forced him to the sidelines, where he has been watching his star-studded team struggle. “I’ve already missed some games to injury but it’s not like I’m the savior,” Ronaldo said in an interview. On Saturday, Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain scored twice for 10-man Real Madrid in a 2-0 home win over Getafe that eased the pressure on coach Manuel Pellegrini. Real has 22 points from nine games and is one point behind La Liga leader Barcelona after the champion was held to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna, Gerard Pique scoring in his own net in the last minute. Sevilla is third with 19 points after seeing off struggling neighbor Xerez 2-0.
