Ronaldo admits he misses England after denouncing whistling Real fans
Cristiano Ronaldo can't help but be reminded of a time when he was afforded far more leniency from the home support whenever he made a mistake.
Ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus, the Portuguese star gave a candid assessment of life in front of the Real Madrid faithful, who famously demand perfection from Los Blancos and are quick to voice their displeasure whenever the opportunity arises.
No matter how many trophies and personal accolades he's won in a Real Madrid strip, whistles continue to rain down from the stands at the Bernabeu whenever the slightest sign of imperfection rears its head.
It's an unwanted spotlight that Ronaldo admittedly loathes, and one that wasn't audible when he was plying his trade at Old Trafford with Manchester United.
"I spent a lot of years at Manchester United and (home fans booing) never happened to me," he said in an interview with Spanish outlet La Sexta, as translated by Callum Davis of The Telegraph. "Not even once."
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Ronaldo has been an unstoppable force since his arrival in 2009, winning just about every major team and individual trophy in football.
Yet, despite declaring his love for Spain, he can't help but look back on his time in England, where supporters were far more forgiving.
"Maybe England is a case apart, the mentality is different," he continued.
"I'm very happy being in Spain but obviously I also miss England because you can't just turn off the memories.
"I don't like it and it's not normal that they whistle you in your own stadium. I just don't like it.
"It shouldn't be the case that a player who always wants to give his best and give 100 percent for this team, when he makes his first mistake people whistle.
"It's not correct. And when you are on a difficult run that is when you need extra support from outside, not less. Sometimes we don't have it."
Ronaldo and his Real teammates will hope supporters don't turn their backs in Cardiff when the Spanish side attempts to become the first team in almost 30 years to defend its Champions League title.