Source: Daily_Mail
Fulham defender Pantsil 'given £10,000 for thwarting United star Ronaldo'
John Pantsil has made the astonishing claim that Fulham manager Roy Hodgson gave him £10,000 for keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet, according to reports in his homeland.
The 90 Minutes newspaper quotes the Ghana full back as saying he was told not to leave the Fulham half during the visit of Manchester United last month.
The 28-year-old was praised for his part in helping his side to a shock 2-0 win as World Player of the Year Ronaldo struggled to make an impact.
Pantsil reportedly said: 'I remember hearing our fans in the stands who were surprised at my refusal to join the attack shouting and urging me to go forward.
'But I refused and it paid off in the end. Ronaldo couldn't score, we won the match and my coach gave me £10,000 for a good job done.
'The coach confided in me that he believed in my capabilities and so I should go into the game and prevent Ronaldo from causing any havoc if he's positioned on the left.
'The coach gave me specific instructions not to cross the centre line unless it was extremely necessary. If I had to, I would have to inform one of the midfielders to cover me.'
Pantsil was being sought for further comment.
Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed yesterday demanded that players' wages are capped.
