Real Madrid captain Raul
believes his strike partner Ronaldo must work hard to win back the fans'
affections after the Brazilian criticised their attitude towards him the day
before the Champions League defeat by Arsenal.
"He is loved in the Bernabeu when he does things well and scores goals," Raul
told a news conference on Thursday.
"The fans are demanding with everyone, and we will help him in every way we can.
But he must do his part as well. We need Ronaldo at his best."
The Brazil striker, Real's top scorer with 10 goals this season, surprised
everyone with his outburst on Monday as he complained about being whistled off
the pitch after not scoring during the previous weekend's 3-0 win over Alaves.
"The fans have never accepted me and their reaction is something to take into
account when thinking about my future," the three times World Player of the Year
said.
"I've always said that I don't want to be where I'm not loved. I've never felt
at home at the Bernabeu, the fans have never treated me with affection.
"I will make a decision at the end of the season."
Raul, who in contrast was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he returned
against Alaves after three months out through injury, chided Ronaldo for his
timing.
"The only thing he did wrong was to say what he did when he did," Raul added.
"I won't make a judgement on whether what he said was right or not, but it did
cast a cloud over the magic of a Champions League game thinking more of himself
than the team."
Real lost their round of 16 first leg 1-0 to Arsenal, and must turn the tie
round in London on March 8 to avoid exiting the competition.
Their next game is against lowly Real Mallorca in the Primera Liga on Sunday. |