Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed why he decided not to celebrate his stunning free-kick goal against Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
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The Portugal captain pulled the Spanish giants back into the game with a sublime set-piece strike after they went down 1-0 early in the second half, with Alvaro Morata scoring the winner soon after to give Los Blancos a 2-1 victory.
The 31-year-old has now explained why he had such a subdued celebration for his goal.
"It was against the team where I learned my trade," Ronaldo said, according to Real's official website.
"The club has a place in my heart and I have a lot of respect for them.
"That's why I couldn't celebrate it."
Ronaldo also admitted that the game did not start off well for the hosts, and believes that Sporting showed Los Blancos that if they start matches poorly, they will be punished.
"We were a bit flat at the start, but such is football and such is Real Madrid and the comebacks are part of this mythical stadium," he added.
"This game serves as a warning that we can't be starting games so poorly, because teams will sweep the floor with us and we don't want that.
"We want to finish top of the group and win."
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Ronaldo has made two appearances in all competitions for Real so far this season, scoring two goals.
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