Cristiano Ronaldo 'sent WhatsApp message to Neymar' after Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win La Liga title

The former Manchester United forward was gracious in defeat after Madrid missed out on the La Liga title

Mark Critchley
Friday 20 May 2016 15:27 BST
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Cristiano Ronaldo may not be famed for his good grace but the Real Madrid forward has generally shown more sportsmanship and generosity than he is credited for - every now and again, at least.

The former Manchester United player could, however, have been forgiven for being in a bad mood last Saturday, on the night that Barcelona clinched the La Liga title.

Luis Enrique’s side pipped Madrid to first-place by a point after easing past the lowly Granada 3-0, a win which also extended their rivals' title drought to four years.

Nevertheless, according to Catalonia-based daily newspaper Sport, Ronaldo was feeling courteous and, in the immediate hours after, offered his congratulations to members of Los Culés.

Ronaldo reportedly sent a private WhatsApp message on to Neymar after Barça’s win, which the Brazilian has since described as “very polite and affectionate”. Neymar, in turn, thanked Ronaldo for the pleasant surprise.

Zinedine Zidane, the Real Madrid head coach, was also keen to put on a show of goodwill, despite the fact that his side's 2-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna had ultimately counted for nothing.

"We're all disappointed, but with 38 matchdays played, we can't change anything now," he said in the aftermath of Barça’s win. "Barcelona deserved to win La Liga."

Ronaldo snaps in press conference

Attentions in the Spanish capital have now turned to the Champions League final, to be held in Milan next Saturday, which will see the city's two biggest clubs - Real and Atletico - play for the continent's biggest prize.

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