The Portuguese striker will watch the match from Turin. "I have a lot of respect for Barcelona, but I carry Real Madrid in my heart," he told AS.
Of the millions of fans watching the Clásico on television today, there'll be one very special spectator - a man who, for the first time in a decade, is not in Real Madrid's ranks as they prepare to take on arch rivals Barcelona: Cristiano Ronaldo. The striker, who left Los Blancos for Juventus in a 117-million-euros summer deal, will be following this afternoon's box-office clash at the Camp Nou from Turin.
In the hours before kick-off in Catalonia, Ronaldo spoke to AS to send a message of support to Real Madrid. He may no longer be at the club, but that didn't stop him from wishing his former colleagues all the best in the Clásico, and speaking of the affection that he still has for the 13-time European champions."I have a lot of respect for Barcelona," the 33-year-old said, "but I carry Real Madrid in my heart. Which is why I hope that today's game is a happy one for Madrid."
Alongside fellow Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stéfano, Cristiano is the second-highest scorer in the history of the Clásico, having hit 18 goals in matches against Barcelona. 12 of the Portugal captain's strikes against the Blaugrana came at the Camp Nou, including one in the most recent Clásico at the ground, a 2-2 league draw in May.
Shashankk Padiyar
497
Class 👏👏
eloksjoseph
464
Without you being there Real Madrid can't do anything so I'm relaxed
FootballAddict
372
His professional and classy comment showing his support for the club that didnt show respect for a legend like him and for his ex teammate who said “madrid is more like a family without ronaldo” was like a slap in the face to them. Ronaldo shown pure class here,and real madrid should be ashamed of how they treated their legend..
eloksjoseph
329
I may be a Barça fan but I'm not blind Ronaldo is a very great player very few has achieved what he has achieved he has broken many records but wh6i still don't understand is how Perez will let him leave Even after leaving he still thinks good of Real Madrid A true legend indeed ❤❤❤💪
Gunnersincebirth
306
Even though CR7 isn't still in Madrid, he still has love and compassion for them,he cares about them. And that's all the characteristics of a good sportsman
Mcjoan
247
"I have a lot of respect for Barcelona, but I carry Real Madrid in my heart," when they are busy yapping how they don't need him, he has kept them in heart, this is true sportsmanship, it will never be the same again for Real Madrid, since he left it has been different whether they win or lose
deocklnouy
234
Ronaldo is great professional. I'm a Barcelona fan but I will miss you in this kind of epic show down. thanks for all the smile, joy and happiness you've brought to this beautiful game. my legend. today you and Messi remind us football fans that one day both you and Messi we no longer play the beautiful game again because that is what we are experiencing now. El classico without you and Messi is not El classico. wishing you well in ur next chapter of ur life you and Messi we always be in our hearts forever. both of you are best of all time
Bandiken
185
We miss you CR7, classico would never be the same without you [Cry][Cry][Cry]