MADRID, May 28, 2018 (News Wires) - Cristiano Ronaldo won the UEFA Champions League for a fifth time Saturday but the striker's petulant posturing over his future has left a sour taste at Real Madrid. While his team-mates were celebrating a record-stretching 13th European crown, earned after a gutsy 3-1 victory over Liverpool, Ronaldo was casting doubt over his commitment to the club. "It was very nice to be in Madrid," said Ronaldo, who was told it sounded like he was saying goodbye. "In the next few days I will give an answer to the fans," he replied. "Because they have always been by my side." Less than 24 hours later, Ronaldo was delivering a more optimistic message as Real's players were paraded in front of supporters at the Plaza de Cibeles last night. Speaking to the fans, Ronaldo said: "Thank you so much guys, see you next year." For months, Ronaldo and his representatives have been wrangling with Real over a new deal, as the Portugese reportedly seeks to surpass Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain as the highest paid player in the world. Florentino Perez's resistance has offended Ronaldo, who has implied several times all is not well in their relationship. His latest referencing of the support of the club's fans, as opposed to the hierarchy, has been interpreted as another dart aimed at Real's president. When Ronaldo's initial comments were put to Perez on Saturday night, he expressed annoyance at their timing and appeared to brush off the possibility of a departure. "Do not ask me these things the day we are celebrating a Champions League title like today," Perez said. "Everyone has the right to speak but here the important thing is the club, that we are all celebrating this title. Cristiano was happy, is happy and remains happy. He is under contract." Zidane was not in the mood to indulge.
