Madrid confirmed as European aristocrats but Ronaldo remarks tar victory

KIEV (Reuters): Real Madrid’s third successive Champions League triumph rubber-stamped their recent hegemony in European football and underlined their status as a true super club but did not confirm them as one of the all-time great teams.

Zinedine Zidane’s side showcased their grit and determination to win in their 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev, as well as their ultra-versatile squad.

Their depth in talent allowed them to bring on their most expensive player, the 100-million-euro ($116.5 million) Gareth Bale off the bench to win the game when it was poised at 1-1.

Real’s unique character, however, was displayed in the fact that moments after they had hoisted a record-extending 13th European Cup, their usual talisman Cristiano Ronaldo turned the attention back on himself, hinting in a post-match interview that he had played his final game for the club.

This was not the era-defining performance they had produced last year in the final in Cardiff, when they blew away Juventus to win 4-1. Nor could it be compared to Barcelona’s sensational displays over Manchester United to win in 2009 and 2011. Instead, the win over Juergen Klopp’s spirited yet mismatched side will be remembered for the two catastrophic errors from Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius which bookended Bale’s sensational overhead kick which made it 2-1 to Madrid.

The game also hinged upon Liverpool losing their influential forward Mohamed Salah to a serious shoulder injury after tangling with Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, a serial winner who knows exactly what to do in the biggest games.

“Everything imaginable seemed to happen in the game but we did it in the end, and even with everything that happened we always believed in our chances of winning, even when they equalised,” said Madrid coach Zidane.

“Then a player like Bale came on and did what he did.”

Ronaldo’s surprising statement that “it was beautiful to play for Real Madrid, I’ll make an announcement soon” meant that the aftermath of a unique achievement – an unprecedented third title in a row in the Champions League era – turned into a discussion about the future of their most important player.

Match winner Bale also cast doubt on his future at Real, although before the game the Wales forward’s status in the team next season was by no means certain.

Ronaldo’s regrets

Ronaldo said in a later interview that he regretted the timing of his comments although his remarks brought back instant reminders of reports that emerged days after winning the 2017 final that he wanted to leave the club.

“I spoke when I shouldn’t have done but something is going to happen. It wasn’t the right time, but I was honest,” said Ronaldo.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that the Portuguese’s team mates were furious with him and that captain Ramos admonished the player after the game for taking the shine off the victory. Real president Florentino Perez also appeared frustrated with Ronaldo.

“Everyone has the right to say what they want but the most important thing on a day like today is the club and that we all celebrate, and because people are always talking about him (Ronaldo) and nothing happens,” said Perez.

“I’m delighted that Cristiano has five Champions League wins, just like me. It’s not a question of him staying or not, he has a contract with us.” 

Ronaldo regrets timing of leaving comments but is still unhappy at Madrid

KIEV (Reuters): Cristiano Ronaldo said he regretted taking the attention away from Real Madrid’s third consecutive Champions League crown after hinting the 3-1 final victory over Liverpool was his last game but reiterated that he is not happy with the club. The Portugal forward had told television network beIN Sports after the historic win in Kiev “in the next few days I’ll give an answer to the fans who have always been by my side. It was beautiful to be at Real Madrid.”

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.”

Ronaldo caused a stir last year a few days after Real beat Juventus 4-1 in the final when Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that the forward wanted to leave Madrid as he was not happy with how he had been treated by the Spanish club.

Ronaldo’s desire for a new contract was believed to be behind last year’s stories and he has still not signed a new deal at Real.

Money not the problem

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.”