
MILAN, Aug 24: Inter Milan8217;s new hero Ronaldo launched an appeal today for Italy8217;s referees to protect strikers from dirty tactics.
Ronaldo, speaking in the wake of Inter8217;s 2-1 defeat to AS Roma in a friendly on Friday night, wants Italian referees to crack down on offenders when the new season starts next week.
8220;I8217;d already been told that italian defences were tough, and I8217;m not frightened of anyone and i8217;m ready for anything,8221; Ronaldo said.
8220;What8217;s upsetting though is that the worst foul I8217;ve had so far has come from a fellow countryman and a friend, Aldair. It was foul from behind. I want to ask referees to be more severe.quot;