Ronaldo apologises to team-mates for controversial outburst

Madrid, March 1

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Real Madrid star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his apology to teammates for his controversial remark that the club would be at the top of La Liga if every player was on his level.

Ronaldo's comments came after Madrid suffered a 0-1 defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid in their La Liga clash at the Bernabeu.

Reflecting on his team's performance, the Portuguese international had said, "If we were all at my level, maybe we would be leaders." He subsequently downplayed his comments saying that he was referring to his "physical level".

In an attempt to clarify his comments, Ronaldo said that he expressed himself poorly and added that he did not wish to annoy anyone, goal.com reported.

Despite using the strong words, the 31-year-old also insisted that he had been taken out of context.

Earlier, Ronaldo had also rued the absence of injured first choice players like Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Pepe and Karim Benzema, who trudged back to the pavilion at half-time with a hip problem.

While maintaining that constant injuries to players are adversely affecting the team's chances in the league, the Portuguese stressed that it becomes harder to win games in the absence of the best players.

With the win, Atletico have strengthened their grip on second place in the Spanish league and stretched their lead over Real to four points, which are standing at third spot. — ANI