Cristiano Ronaldo regrets Real exit hints, suggests Champions League should be named after him
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Updated 27/05/2018 at 14:08 GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo hinted he could leave Real Madrid this summer, immediately after winning the Champions League for the fifth time, then suggested the tournament should be named after him.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid poses with the UEFA Champions League trophy following the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 26, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Image credit: Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane’s men won the title for a record third time on the trot after two goals from Gareth Bale, one from Karim Benzema, and a helping hand from Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
But the delight of the win did not dissuade Ronaldo from talking cryptically about his future.
When asked after the game what would come next, the 33-year-old said: "It was very nice to be in Madrid, and in the next few days I will give an answer to the fans, who have always been by my side".
"We have made history and now we have to enjoy it.”
Ronaldo also bragged about his record in the competition when asked if he was disappointed not to score in the showpiece match. He added: "Maybe the Champions League should change its name to the CR7 Champions League."
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Real's players, especially captain Sergio Ramos, admonished the Portuguese for his sensational comments on the pitch of the NSC Olympic Stadium while his team mates celebrated.
"I spoke when I shouldn't have done but something is going to happen. It wasn't the right time, but I was honest," Ronaldo told reporters before boarding the Real bus.
"In a week I'll say something because the fans have always supported me and are in my heart. I don't speak much, but when I speak, I speak," he added.
"Obviously I have something to say, but it wasn't the right time, although I don't regret it, because I was honest. I've kept putting up with this but then I couldn't control myself."
The 33-year-old, who became the first player in the Champions League era to win the trophy five times, including once with Manchester United, did not give a clear answer when asked what his grievances were.
"This has been coming for a long time. Money is not the problem. I've won five Champions Leagues, five Ballon d'Ors. I was already in history but now even more," he said.
"I'm not bothered because I know what I give to this club. I don't want to erase this unique moment with my team mates who are real champions."
Real coach Zinedine Zidane could not give an answer when asked about the timing of Ronaldo's comments and said he had not spoken to the player before the game about his future.
"Cristiano has to stay no matter what. We'll see what happens next, but for me he should stay," said the Frenchman.
Ramos also urged Ronaldo to remain at the club but said his team mate had to make clear what he meant.
"I'm sure Cris will speak at the end of the season. If there's something behind this, he should come and clarify what it is today," Ramos said.
"Cristiano is a key part of this team, he likes to feel loved and we all want him to stay, he won't find a better place than here, he's our superstar."
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