Cristiano Ronaldo showed true colours with message to La Liga rival during furious row
Former La Liga star Walter Pandiani has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of arrogance as he recounted a memorable flashpoint with the Portuguese superstar. Ronaldo enjoyed plenty of success with Spanish giants Real Madrid scoring a staggering 450 goals in 438 games.
But there were a number of controversial flashpoints during his spell with Los Blancos - one of which has been recounted by ex-Osasuna forward Pandiani. The pair clashed during the 2010/11 season, almost coming to blows mid-match.
And while Ronaldo was the main instigator - a jibe about his opponent's wage a particular sore point - Pandiani has also revealed that both Sergio Ramos and then manager Jose Mourinho also got involved.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, he said: 'The crowd there is very aggressive, and they were whistling and insulting him from the moment he came out to warm up.
'That p****d him off, and he was practicing free kicks, shooting at people. That's why he started the match so heated.
'During a game against Real Madrid, Cristiano pushed my teammate [Javier] Camunas, and I went to defend him. I pushed him, and he asked me who I was and how much I was paid.
'The brawl continued in the changing room tunnel with him and Sergio Ramos. I was very angry, and so were they. I didn't like his attitude at all. He was an arrogant guy. He was tremendous as a goalscorer, but his behaviour left a lot to be desired.
'Then [Jose] Mourinho came out and said I was looking for free publicity after playing in the First Division for eleven years. It was very unpleasant.'
Real Madrid eventually lost 1-0 that day - a defeat that hugely damaged their title prospects. Los Blancos eventually finished four points adrift of rivals Barcelona come the end of the season.
Ronaldo would eventually get his hands on the La Liga crown the following season but only won one further league title during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ronaldo eventually quit the club in 2018 with a shock move to Juventus, while he then returned to Manchester United three seasons later.
His second spell at Old Trafford was mixed as despite netting 24 times across his first campaign, he was axed by Erik ten Hag the following year. Ronaldo's contract was eventually cancelled following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
He has been with Saudi side Al-Nassr ever since, reaching the 800 mark for club goals at the back end of last season.
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