Ronalodo Welcomed, Forgiven

Cristiano Ronaldo is back, seemingly in good form. And he was welcomed like a hero as Manchester United and Chelsea took the field and he started in the bench.

His disapproving plan to get a record-breaking transfer deal to Real Madrid over the summer certainly disappointed, and even disgusted, Manchester United fans. But as his position on the matter was stamped down, resulting in him staying in Manchester United, there have been some grumbles as to whether he will be welcomed with open arms.

It seems that everything is going according to his thoughts, though. He had stated that his fans will still be loyal to him. And he wasn't wrong.

From Mail Online:

I’m already in the history of the club. When I play the fans will love me again.

No way do I see myself in the shirt of another Manchester team. [when asked about a move to Manchester City with a price of £135 million] I didn’t realise I was worth that much!

With this Golden Boot I have changed football a little. [about winning the Golden Boot for his incredible 42 goals] Usually strikers won it and I’m a winger. I have been the most consistent and the best.

Kaka Stays Put In AC Milan

Despite rumored deals of an £80-million transfer to Chelsea, another rumored transfer is hit on the Brazilian world player of the year. Kaka is said to have been offered a transfer to Manchester City! Hmm.. If you think about Ronaldo and Kaka in one team, it would probably be splendid. But Kaka has dismissed any claims of moving to another team.

From Mail Online:

Before it was Real Madrid, now it's England that is in fashion. The market is like that, just as Milan make offers other clubs make offers to Milan.

But I will never ask to leave. I have always been treated well by (club) executives and my rapport is excellent. Perhaps one day they (club executives) may change their approach with respect to me but I don't see that happening.

I will only leave if Milan decide to sell me or perhaps on the day when we no longer have the same objectives and that day has not come. Milan has done a good job in the transfer market, the club still wants to win and be competitive and those are my aims.

Federer Back On Victory Road As He Wins US Open Finals

I guess all Roger Federer needed was another win to get back on the victory road. And he's definitely back on that road. He beat out Andy Murray in the US Open finals Monday night, September 8. It was a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win, and it gave Federer his fifth consecutive US Open championship.

Winning the US Open also gave Federer his 13th Grand Slam title. He is now the only man in the history of lawn tennis to win five straight titles at two major events. One more and he'll be tied with Pete Sampras' 14 Grand Slam titles.

From Roger Federer official site:

I felt like I was invincible for a while again.

I always knew that if I were to get one Slam under my belt, especially the last one, things weren't looking that bad, like everybody was talking about. I didn't feel I was under pressure to prove myself in trying to win here, but this definitely feels very sweet.

Murray Upsets Nadal in US Open Semi Finals

Andy Murray has been on a roll with getting close to the crown of the Grand Slam tournaments. In this year's US Open, he finally managed to get one step closer as he beat out 1st ranked Rafael Nadal in the semis.

The 21-year-old Scotsman defeated Rafa in 4 sets, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 in a match that began Saturday but was halted by rain in the third set.

Nadal Honored With the Prince of Asturias Award

The Prince of Asturias Award is an annual award given to Spanish individuals who have made notable achievements in various fields. One of these is sports, in which Rafael Nadal has undoubtedly made his mark in lawn tennis.

Rafael Nadal is the Number one tennis player in the world and is considered the best Spanish player of all time. This season, the four-time winner of the French Open, also won the men's singles title at Wimbledon and was the gold medalist at the Beijing Olympic Games. Committed to the noblest values of sport on and off the court, his sense of social responsibility led him to establish a foundation focusing on social work among disadvantaged groups and cooperation for development.

It is apparent how the Jury of the Prince of Asturias Awards selected to give Rafael Nadal the award, given how Nadal had become an icon and a role model for his country.

And what does Rafa have to say? From his official site:

It’s an incredible honour for me to receive the ‘Principe de Asturias Sport Award’. I’m extremely grateful to the jury and everyone else who chose me as it’s an achievement greater than usual, it makes me feel proud.

Not only does this represent great sport values but also, and most importantly, good human values. This award is one of the best things that could happen to me outside of the tennis court because it says to me I’m doing this right when it comes to human values.

I always try to do the right thing inside and outside of the tennis courts no matter what. This award represents something different to a sports award and the fact that it’s been given to me means it’s not only thanks to my hard work but also because of those around me, specially my family.

To be given an award like this in what has been a very special year for Spain’s sport makes it even that much more special.

All nominees are of an extremely high level and the simple fact that I was considered amongst this group of people is satisfactory enough, even if I had not won the award.