Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to retire at Real Madrid player after helping slay his first club Sporting Lisbon at the Bernabeu.

The Portuguese side were on course to stun the European champions when Bruno Cesar fired them ahead in the Spanish capital shortly after half-time.

Real Madrid were nowhere near their best and could not fashion an equaliser until Ronaldo arrowed a free-kick into the top corner past Rui Patricio in the 89th minute.

He refused to celebrate against Sporting but worse was to come for the visitors when sub Alvaro Morata headed home a 94th-minute winner.

“It was against the team where I learned my trade, 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 told reporters afterwards.

Sporting Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho revealed in the run-up to the Bernabeu clash that he would love to see Ronaldo, now 31, return to finish his playing days in his native country.

Whilst flattered, Ronaldo says he remains eager to end his career at Real Madrid.

“For me it’s an honour that people still have affection for me. I feel lucky, but I’m great at Madrid and I want to finish here, because it’s the club that’s in my heart right now,” he added.

Real Madrid are 6.00 to retain the Champions League this season.