Ronaldo confident of CL glory despite injury scare

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo played down fears over his fitness ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on Saturday after the three- time

Published on: May 25, 2016, 09:53:46 IST

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MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo played down fears over his fitness ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on Saturday after the three- time World Player of the Year limped off towards the end of training on Tuesday.

“I am fine. I had a little problem in training, a dead leg as they say here, but tomorrow or the next day I will be fine,” he said.

Coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed Ronaldo also didn’t play in a practice match on Saturday as a precaution, but expects him to be fully fit for the final.

“There will be no problem. He felt something on Saturday when we had a game between us and he didn’t play as a precaution,” said Zidane. “He will be ready for Saturday and I think we are in good shape physically.”

Ronaldo will be aiming to break his own record of 17 Champions League goals in a season in Milan having already netted 16 in the competition so far this campaign.

His 17th two years ago came in the final against Atletico as Real ran out 4-1 winners after extra-time.

CL FINAL GOAL LIKE LOSING VIRGINITY: RAMOS

Hero of Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph two years ago, defender Sergio Ramos compared his first final experience to losing his virginity ahead Saturday’s clash with Atletico Madrid in a rematch of the 2014 final.

Ramos broke Atletico’s hearts with his stoppage time equaliser to deny Diego Simeone’s men a first ever European Cup before a rampant Real ran out 4-1 winners after extra-time.

“The first time is like when you make l ove, you always remember it, but after it is true you can improve,” said the Spanish international on Tuesday. “The first one has a special taste because I was the protagonist with a great goal, but I am optimistic and ambitious. I like to turn the page and continue filling my honours list. Hopefully I’ ll have the good fortune to lift (the Champions League) again.”

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