Ronaldo got big-headed: Moratti

Agence France-Presse, Rome

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti slammed on Tuesday the selfish attitude of Brazilian star Ronaldo in the run-up to his transfer from the Italian outfit to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Moratti, who stood by Ronaldo during his long fight back to fitness after two career-threatening leg operations, said that he had been profoundly disappointed by the star since the World Cup.

"Ronaldo got big headed. He wasn't happy with Cuper (Hector, Inter coach), but that was just an excuse. He changed after the World Cup," the Inter Milan chief told the Repubblica daily.

Moratti had been convinced that a solution could be found to keep the World Cup top scorer, but could not persuade a determined Ronaldo, whom he believes made his choice the day of the World Cup victory.

"He believed that he had become King again. He thought he could count on unlimited credit. He got big headed and he forgot."

Moratti said he was now happy that the striker had gone because his self interest went against their team ethos.

"Ronaldo clashed with the fundamental values of this team - loyalty, color, jersey. He only thought of himself, in his personal interests. Because of this in the end I'm happy that he went," added Moratti.

"I'm convinced that he did it out of self interest and nothing else, that's sure.

"I said this to him when we met, but he calculated badly. He went to Real for a fistful of extra coins, at his level it's a ridiculous choice," added Moratti.

"In exchange he lost some of his reputation not counting the sponsorship of Pirelli."

The Brazilian World Cup hero signed on for the Spanish giants on Aug. 31 for Euro 45 million (US$44.1 million) after a lengthy on-again-off-again transfer wrangle with his Italian side.