As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world.

Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions.

The series kicks off on Monday, July 13 with the Team of the Decade for Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid, and from then on we will print (at least) three teams each day at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00 BST, until the overall World Team of the Decade is revealed on Thursday, July 23.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Presentation Round-Up - Number 9, Sir Alex, And More

6 Jul 2009 22:40:28
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The Bottom Line

Cristiano Ronaldo, with around 75,000 fans eating out of his hand, was presented to the Santiago Bernabeu crowd today, and was given the number 9 shirt.

That, of course, is the number worn by the 'original' Ronaldo, the Brazilian forward. He, too, had simply Ronaldo on the back of his shirt, just as Cristiano controversially wore this evening.



Florentino Perez, basking in the glow of the assembled fanbase, gave his customarily hyperbolic speech before presenting Ronaldo, who spoke in slightly briefer fashion.

However, the Portuguese, every inch a superstar, made up for in chutzpah what he lacked in oratory by conducting the crowd in a three-two-one 'Hala Madrid'. His attempted ball skills to follow, though, betrayed a hint of nerves.

How It Happened

Reports out of the Spanish capital have it that fans began gathering around the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, its bars, its metro station, as early as nine o'clock in the morning.

With Cristiano Ronaldo having risen early for his medical, the hospital where he underwent tests was also mobbed by a youthful band of supporters.

But this was nothing compared to the scenes inside the stadium as presentation time approached. Kaka may have attracted 50,000, but Cristiano Ronaldo brought 75,000 to the stadium, with sources such as Radio Marca even saying it was closer to 80,000. This would, if true, eclipse the 75k summoned by Diego Maradona to Napoli.



The green track visible in the above image was a sort of 'red carpet' for Ronaldo to use to visit all corners of the pitch. This he did, but as he disappeared down the tunnel, there was a pitch invasion, as described by our man in Madrid, Goal.com's Juan Lirman:

"From my vantage point there were more than just a few. It wasn't five, ten or twenty. It was around a hundred that charged, catching security completely by surprise, and one broke through. Thankfully nothing serious happened, but what a shock that was!

What followed was a lengthy press conference, the highlights of which were:

* "I never said i did not like to play as a striker. I am not used to it. I prefer to play on the wing. But if I have to play as a striker, it's okay. Just have to get used to it."
* "I am happy to be the most expensive player in the history of football, it makes me proud, and I will show they were right to pay that figure for me."
* "Sir Alex? Our farewell was very good, I have a very good relationship with him and it will always be like that, I went to Manchester, talked to him, and everything is fine, he is happy, I am happy, we have to move on now."
* "Ribery is a good player, I saw him at Bayern but my job is to do to my best, you have to ask the president if he'll come."
* Quizzed on who he thought was the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, Kaka or himself, Ronaldo said: 'Madrid.'

Ronaldo, whom Goal.com have in profile, still has everything to prove on the pitch regarding his price tag, but the energy he inspires in the crowd, particularly among the youth, is undeniable. Will that be enough to bring trophies as well as limelight back to Chamartin? Time will tell.

Manchester United Receive Real Madrid's £80m Fee For Cristiano Ronaldo

The widely expected transfer has been made official, as the Premier League champions receive the full unconditional transfer fee.
1 Jul 2009 10:12:45
Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, from 2003. (Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport)
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, from 2003. (Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport)
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The agreed £80 million transfer fee negotiated between Manchester United and Real Madrid for prized asset Cristiano Ronaldo has, according to the club's official website, been paid, rendering the Portuguese international's Bernabeu switch complete.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the influence and contributions of Ronaldo, and said, “Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world.

Barca loss 'to motivate Man Utd'

United were outclassed by Barcelona on Wednesday night in Rome, losing 2-0 to the Spanish side.
"Everyone is disappointed and no-one wants to lose a final but we will try to get back there next year," he said.
"We have got to keep improving, that is what great teams and great players do, look forward to the next challenge."
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi for Barcelona put paid to United's hopes of becoming the first side to retain the Champions League title, after their penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea 12 months ago.
Giggs says United must use the defeat as a springboard to reaching the Champions League final for a third successive year.
Man Utd will bounce back - Giggs
"We will look to get to a third consecutive Champions final. That is the challenge we have got next year," he said.
Giggs also feels United must not allow the disappointment of Wednesday's defeat to detract from what has been another successful season, with the club having claimed a third successive Premier League title as well as the Carling Cup and Fifa World Club Cup.
"It has been a fantastic season and we must not forget that. We have achieved so much," he said.
"To win three Premier League titles on the trot is an unbelievable thing to do and now we must look to make it four."
Speculation is already rife about what potential changes United manager Alex Ferguson may make to ready the squad to challenge in the 2009-10 season.

Man Utd may pay £25.5m for Tevez.Thats incredible right?

The 25-year-old's two-year loan expires at the end of June and there has been uncertainty as to whether United would be willing to make the deal permanent.
Gill thinks the £25.5m valuation, made by Kia Joorabchian, who owns Tevez's economic rights, is a bit expensive.
"That's not to say we won't pay that," Gill told BBC Sport.
Tevez has scored 15 goals this season, including four in the Carling Cup tie against Blackburn, but he has previously expressed frustration that his future has not yet been resolved.
But with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly interested in the Argentine, United may now be prepared to meet the figure set by the player's representative Joorabchian, whose MSI company have owned the player since 2007.
Man Utd still keen on Tevez deal
"It's clear that if we wish to secure his rights and enter into a personal contract with him that we need to pay a certain sum. That is £25.5m," added Gill, who thinks the valuation is top heavy.
"It's a decision we are now assessing. Our honest opinion in the current economic climate is that it is a bit 'toppy' but that's not to say we won't pay that.
"Other clubs may be prepared to pay that, or more, so we have to understand that we operate in a certain marketplace."
Earlier this month, Gill told the BBC Sport that he expected the Tevez saga to be resolved by early June.
606: DEBATE
I've changed my Name to Manchester United
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously said that a compromise was needed because the current economic situation has changed drastically since Tevez was signed from West Ham in 2007.
Reports on Argentine television earlier this month claimed that Tevez was set to leave the Premier League champions.
"I feel that they have lacked respect towards me," he was quoted as saying. "It's not about whether they pay £5m more or £5m less but I feel I have been badly treated."

Ferguson insists Tevez is happy.Do you really believe that?

On-loan Tevez, 24, has been regularly left out of the starting line-up in the past month, but Ferguson said the Argentine striker understands his role.
"He is happy here," said Ferguson. "The players and fans love him.
"Just because I have left him out for a couple of games, doesn't mean it should be a negative part of negotiations to get him here in a full-time capacity."
Tevez joined the Old Trafford outfit on a two-year loan that is due to expire next summer.
It had been expected he would sign a permanent contract before the end of the season.
I don't think Wayne Rooney would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games. However, I don't think it is unmanageable
Sir Alex FergusonBut with Tevez sinking behind Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in the pecking order, talks between Red Devils chief executive David Gill and Tevez's trusted advisor Kia Joorabchian have taken place.
The forward has been subsequently linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Real Madrid and cash-rich Manchester City mentioned as possible destinations, but Ferguson said Tevez wanted to remain at the club.
"Obviously there is always the language barrier with Carlos but it is quite straightforward. He wants to play," said Ferguson.
"That is fine. I have just reminded him of how we operate here. He understands that. It is the same for Rooney. They are not happy but that is the way it is."
Ferguson admitted it was tricky keeping all of his strikers happy, comparing his current dilemma to the 1999 Manchester United side, where Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were vying for a place in the team.
"It is much more delicate handling the striking situation now," he said.

Wayne Rooney: Englands Saviour"In those days there was that northern European culture that was easier to manage. There was a British mentality and there was no problem dealing with it.
"None of them were happy when they didn't play but they understood and it wasn't an issue.
"I sat Wayne down the other day and told him I had to find out how Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos played together. He understood that, but I don't think he would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games. However, I don't think it is unmanageable."
Meanwhile, Diego Maradona, who is due to be confirmed as head coach of Argentina on Tuesday, has abandoned plans to fly to England this weekend and meet with Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The 48-year-old former Napoli and Barcelona forward will stay in Argentina to formulate his squad for the upcoming friendly against Scotland.