Former Real Madrid star Ronaldo believes Cristiano Ronaldo made the right choice by opting to leave the club for Juventus this summer.

The 33-year-old Portuguese icon enjoyed nine prolific seasons at the Bernabeu, becoming the Whites’ all-time top goalscorer with 450 goals in 438 matches.

His last act was helping Los Blancos to win a third consecutive Champions League triumph, before he followed Zinedine Zidane out of the exit door.

But, according to Ronaldo – who notched 104 goals in 177 appearances across five seasons for the Whites – it was the best move for all parties.

“Perfectly (I understand Cristiano’s decision),” the retired former Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan striker told Marca in a wide-ranging interview.

“There is no doubt what he wanted. He was looking for a change and he has every right to do so. Real Madrid will always be very grateful to Ronaldo, and I wish him luck in this adventure.”

And despite not having Ronaldo in the ranks this season, R9 – his sponsorship nickname during his playing days – still feels Los Blancos are favourites to win the European Cup again under Julen Lopetegui, despite CR7’s absence.

“No, no, I still see them as the favourites, Real have won four of the last five Champions Leagues,” he added. “He (Cristiano) was an important player, but it will always be Real Madrid that dominates this competition. Barcelona are the other favourites and Atletico have improved.”