Soccer star Ronaldo arrested over rape

LONDON - Manchester United's Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has been questioned by police on suspicion of rape.

Police did not confirm his identity but said they had arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of rape in connection with allegations of a serious sexual assault on October 2, and were holding him for further questions.

United's Assistant Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed that the man was the 20-year-old winger, but said the accusations had no basis and Ronaldo was merely answering police questions.

"He went to give explanations, as was planned. Based on these explanations, the authorities are going to reach fair and correct conclusions," Queiroz told Portugal's SIC TV.

"This term 'arrest' is disquieting. The one who should be arrested is the one who put out this news," he said. "This news comes out in a bombastic form, they make interesting stories, they hurt people but they don't have any basis."

Police said they had also questioned a man in his 30s, who was not arrested. An arrest does not necessarily mean charges will be filed.

Manchester United's director of communications Phil Townsend said the club would not comment on the case.

Ronaldo has been a big hit at United since he signed from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003, when he was saddled with the task of replacing England captain David Beckham at Old Trafford.

He helped hosts Portugal reach the final of Euro 2004, scoring in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands, and was one of Portugal's most consistent performers throughout their successful bid to reach the 2006 World Cup.

English soccer has been plagued by a series of high-profile rape allegations against players.

- REUTERS