Ronaldo picked up a winners medal in 2008 as Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties but was on the losing side the following year, when Barcelona beat United in Rome. Real fell at the semi-final stage of the competition in each of the last three seasons but Ronaldo’s 16 goals in this year’s competition have fired them to a first final in 12 years.
“No one wants to miss a final, a final we’ve been waiting a long time for and worked so hard to get to over the last three years,” he said. “Some very important players have got injured this year but the most important thing is how I feel. I won’t be taking any risks, I have been feeling good and I will be there on Saturday.”
Real Madrid finished the La Liga season in third place, while Atlético were crowned champions for the first time in 18 years. But Ronaldo is not intimidated by Diego Simeone’s side.
“Atlético are very happy, they are full of hope and go into the game with high spirits and a lot of strength, but a final is a unique game,” he said. “It’s 50/50, but I’m convinced we’re going to win.”
