'I shouldn't have said that' - Ronaldo regrets Real Madrid exit hint

Goal

'I shouldn't have said that' - Ronaldo regrets Real Madrid exit hint image

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he may have spoken out of turn in suggesting that his Real Madrid days were numbered after the Champions League final. 

Having starred for Madrid throughout the competition, this year's top scorer drew a blank against Liverpool in Kiev. 

Substitute Gareth Bale stepped up to seal a third straight title as the Blancos prevailed 3-1, with Karim Benzema also getting his name on the scoresheet. 

Ronaldo, however, stole the headlines when he referred to his sparkling Madrid career in the past tense to reporters.

That statement caused an instant reaction, with both Madrid president Florentino Perez and coach Zinedine Zidane speaking out to deny his exit.

And while he later claimed he was taken out of context, the Portugal striker seemed to regret the storm his comments had caused. 

"It takes away from a beautiful, historic moment for us that is winning three Champions Leagues in a row, obviously it is a special moment," he told Fox Sports.

"It's always great to win the Champions League because I know how important that competition is, I have had a great Champions League from start to finish so I'm very happy.

"A player's personal things aren't the most important thing now, it might have been taken out of context but maybe I shouldn't have said what I said."

Ronaldo finished the 2017-18 Champions League with 15 goals in 13 starts, and now boasts no less than five winner's medals in the competition with Manchester United and Madrid.

Goal

Goal Photo

Goal.com is the premier destination for football fans across the globe, with all the best news, transfer updates, analysis and highlights.

Goal.com and The Sporting News are partnering to bring you insights into the game like never before.