Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo admits he's struggling to keep a lid on his anger over being constantly kicked by opponents.

The World Player of the Year said: "I am a target of course so it is difficult to avoid certain things. I try to control my anger. Sometimes it's not easy, though, and it is something I have to improve on.

"Sometimes it is difficult because of the atmosphere in the stadium and the importance of the game.

"I'm only 24 but I have a lot of experience of big games and that helps because you learn through situations."

This season, Ronaldo has kicked out at Celtic's Scott Brown, Stoke's Andy Wilkinson, Tottenham's Michael Dawson and Blackburn's David Dunn.

He has also had tunnel clashes with Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz and at St James' Park last week with Steven Taylor.

Ronaldo has escaped punishment on all these occasions.

He added: "If someone kicks me, I get up and I go again. I am not afraid of being kicked - it is part of the game.

"I see it as a challenge that they have to kick me to stop me."