Ronaldo slams critics after Real Madrid win title, says ‘I’m not a devil’

Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics in the media on Sunday after guiding Real Madrid to their first La Liga title in five years, saying he’s not the “delinquent” that he believes he’s often made out to be.

Ronaldo scored the opening goal as Madrid beat Malaga 2-0 on the final day of the season to end their domestic league title drought, and the superstar afterward responded to his treatment in the press over the past few days.

“People talk about me and don’t know s—,” he said, according to Marca. “I don’t watch TV because if I did I wouldn’t have a life, that’s how often they talk about me in a bad way, in football and outside of football, they talk about me as if I were a delinquent.”

Ronaldo was responding to a storm in the Spanish press that began when he was pictured gesturing toward Celta Vigo’s Gustavo Cabral in Madrid’s previous game on Wednesday.

Local media reported he was suggesting that Celta had received a maletin, or extra financial incentive, to beat Madrid, which could have given the title to Barcelona instead. Ronaldo scored twice and Madrid won the game 4-1.

“When people talk about Cristiano they get it wrong, inside and outside of football,” he added. “Football critics don’t worry me because I know doing the math people will shut up.

“They always have two stones in their hands when I speak. I am not a saint, but I’m not a devil either, which is what many people say I am.”

Ronaldo scored 25 league goals in 29 appearances this season as Madrid won their first Liga title under Zinedine Zidane, but he credited his coach — even thanking him on Instagram — and teammates for helping to secure the trophy.

“I’m very happy because it was a spectacular end to the season, the best in many seasons, because of intelligent management, the help of the coach, and the contributions of those who played less,” he said.

Madrid can secure a domestic and European double by beating Juventus in the Champions League final on June 3, but Ronaldo wasn’t ready to look ahead to that game quite yet.

“We know the Cardiff final will be very difficult,” he said, “but for now we will enjoy our first La Liga title in five years.”