Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar believes Cristiano
Ronaldo is being "driven on to greater heights" by the negative
reaction towards him from opposition fans.
Ronaldo has been the target of the boo-boys ever since the incident
in the Portugal-England World Cup quarter-final which ended with
Wayne Rooney being sent off. But the winger has been in superb form
this season.
Van der Sar said: "Cristiano is getting better and better. He is
still only young but he is more mature now as a footballer."
He added: "He has loads of qualities with the ball but is more
aware now in terms of his positional play, the runs he can make,
the other players who make runs for him, and of creating space for
other players.
"I think it is his most productive season so far. he is scoring
more goals and delivering more crosses. He has been excellent for
us."
Van Der Sar added: "I wasn't in England after what happened with
Cristiano at the World Cup but I can imagine what the papers and TV
were saying.
"It was a country versus country situation and you do the best for
your own country.
"The United fans have stuck with Cristiano and I think the opposing
fans see the quality he has and the joy with which he plays the
game.
"He will get some occasional booing but that's all right. I thank
that only serves to drive Cristiano onto even higher ground, to
greater heights.
"Cristiano hasn't let what happened and the reaction affect him at
all. He is a very strong guy and has shown that this
season."
