Real Madrid sensation Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed criticism of his performance in the final of the UEFA Champions League against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The match locked at 1-1, went down to the wire as Real Madrid won the competition 5-3 on penalties eventually, with Ronaldo scoring the winning spot-kick to clinch La Undecima. Throughout the 120 minutes though, the forward cut a lacklustre figure as he looked couldn’t create much of a difference in the final third and looked short of fitness.
But when asked about his thoughts on the issue, Ronaldo was bullish as he said, “Only the jealous don't feel that. I don't care about that. I always keep the people who love me [close]. So this Champions League is for them, the guys who support me all the time, my fans in Portugal and around the world.”
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo says he told Zinedine Zidane he had a vision he'd score the winning goal
The Portuguese superstar fell just short of his own record of 17 goals in a single European campaign in 2013/14 (La Decima season) as he ended up with 16 goals to become the Champions League top scorer for the fourth season in a row. He is also the all-time leading goal scorer in Champions League history with 94 goals, 11 ahead of Lionel Messi at second place with 83.
He also concluded the season with 51 goals in just 48 appearances and became the first player to net 50 goals or more for six years in a row. But his insatiable appetite doesn’t seem to be full as Ronaldo still wants to improve and demands the best out of himself.
"After this, I have more than 4,000 minutes on the pitch this season. I was number one in the team again, for most minutes. That means a lot to me. It means I am still good, I still feel good physically, mentally. If you ask me if I feel tired, of course. I have a lot of minutes in the legs, but I am still there, I am always there.”
"I showed the team I am there for the good moments and bad moments. This is what makes me feel proud. For seven years now I'm scoring more than 50 goals every year, but I am always asking more from myself,” Cristiano told the Telegraph.
Also read: Real Madrid chief Perez confirms Zidane will remain as coach
The win over Atletico Madrid sees the ex-Manchester United player lift his second Champions League title with Los Blancos and third overall. But when asked which one was the most special, Ronaldo refused to choose as he believes each one have their own place.
The 31-year-old said, "I remember when I won the first time for Manchester it was a special night. Two years ago against Atletico. Every time is special.”
Ronaldo will now take a six-day break before shifting his attention to his national team as they start their quest for their elusive European Championship title on 15th June against Iceland.
