Ronaldo is a ´provocative´ player, says Nivaldo

Valladolid’s Brazilian defender Nivaldo Santana, who appeared to stamp on Ronaldo’s shin during a weeked Spanish league match, accused the Portuguese striker of being a “provocative” player on Monday.

“It is a bit complicated, he (Ronaldo) is a good player but he does things that the referees let him get away with. If others did what he did for sure the referee would say something,” the 29-year-old told radio Cadena Ser.

“He is very provocative and when we try to talk to him, he talks about other things,” Nivaldo added.

Ronaldo, 25, rolled down his socks to reveal a cut left by Nivaldo’s boot during Real’s 4-1 win over Valladolid on Sunday and appealed to the referee but the Brazilian defender escaped punishment.

After the match, Real director general Jorge Valdano expressed his concern over the way the world’s most expensive footballer was being treated on the pitch.

“One needs to analyse what our rivals are doing to Cristiano,” he said.