Cristiano Ronaldo transfer: Real Madrid star admits ‘mistake’ talking about his future after Champions League win
Ronaldo cast doubt on his future immediately after the final whistle in Kiev
Cristiano Ronaldo admits he made a “mistake” by making himself and his Real Madrid future the centre of attention after winning the Champions League on Saturday evening.
The 33-year-old lifted the trophy for the fifth time in his career after two Gareth Bale goals – one a stunning overhead kick – sealed victory over Liverpool in Kiev.
However, much of the talk after the game was about the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, who cast doubt on his future at Real by saying: “Now it's time to enjoy this. In the next few days I'll give the fans, who have been by my side, an answer. It's been great being at Real Madrid.
“I'll speak in the next few days. Now it's time to enjoy the moment. The future of any player isn't important. We've made history.”
However, he has now apologised for his comments and admitted the timing was not correct as it detracted from what should have been a historic night for the club.
“Maybe it wasn’t the perfect timing to talk about personal things. Maybe I’ve made a mistake or not,” he said. “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.
"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.
“But when you are honest, sometimes you say things that you don’t mean to, but it’s something that’s been a long time coming.
“I’ll talk in a week when I am with the national team because I don’t want to take this top moment away from Real Madrid.
Read more coverage on the Champions League final:
- Miguel Delaney: The definitive read from an enthralling night
- Jonathan Liew: The emptiness of the biggest stage
- Ed Malyon: Why relentless Real make their own luck
- Mark Critchley: Salah's early exit cripples Liverpool
- Explained: Salah's injury and his chances of playing in Russia
- Man marking: We run the rule over both teams in Kiev
- Transfer talk #1: Ronaldo opens the door to shock exit
- Transfer talk #2: Bale issues come and get me plea
“The fans who are always on my side, I always have them in my heart. It’s not the right moment to talk or for my team mates to talk about the future.”
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