Ruud plays down four goals heroics
Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Ruud van Nistelrooy was keen to play down his four-goal heroics against Osasuna, instead preferring to highlight the importance of next weekend's home match against Racing Santander.

"Now it is only three points, on Saturday we have an important game," he said.

"It is most important to continue this and win our games every week, we have to work very hard."

"Against Celta we lost and we were very disappointed. Against Barcelona (2-0) and also against Dynamo Kiev (5-1) we have played very well at the Bernabeu, now the most important thing is to win against Racing.

"It is important that in every game we have the maximum concentration and respect for our opponents. We have to look to win all the our games but the Spanish league is very difficult, little by little we are improving and we are playing better, we are going to see what happens on Saturday."

"I think that we all played very well, we have worked and pressed very well," he said.

"It has been a game similar to those played in England, Osasuna have played with much aggression and speed but we have all been very strong and the result is very good.

"Two years ago I also scored four goals in a Champions League game against Sparta Prague but today has been a unique day. We have had four or five opportunities, and all have been goals," added Van Nistelrooy, whose four goals against Osasuna were scored past his former Manchester United team-mate Ricardo.

"After the game I spoke to Ricardo, as this is football. On the pitch I have no friends, but outside Ricardo is a great person and a great friend."

Discuss in: Forum | Message board