'Ronaldo should lose the cocky attitude' - Real Madrid legend Santillana

 

The former Blancos striker says neither he nor the Santiago Bernabeu faithful have much time for the Portuguese's alleged arrogance

Real Madrid legend Carlos Santillana says Cristiano Ronaldo needs to lose his "cocky attitude" if he wants to retain the affection of the club's supporters.

Ronaldo has scored a staggering 293 goals in 285 games in all competitions since joining the Blancos from Manchester United in 2009 and last season he fired the Spanish side to a 10th European Cup.

The Portugal international started 2014-15 in sensational form but his attitude and behaviour since the turn of the year has drawn a lot of criticism.

In particular, his decision to go ahead with his 30th birthday party celebrations just hours after the 4-0 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid upset some fans and reportedly some team-mates.

Santillana, who spent 17 years at the Santiago Bernabeu during his playing days, thinks Ronaldo should not be whistled by Madrid fans but should at least act less arrogantly if he truly wants to be embraced.
"Sometimes I don't like his attitude," the former striker told reporters on Thursday.

"It is something that Real Madrid's fans don't like, so imagine what rival fans think of him.
"We don't have to boo him, but he should correct his cocky attitude."

Ronaldo will be hoping to get Madrid supporters back on his side when Carlo Ancelotti's side face Barcelona in a crucial top-of-the-table clash with the Liga leaders at Camp Nou on Sunday.