It's sad, too bad - the Real Madrid star sympathizes with Ronaldo

Real Madrid defender David Alaba has expressed his sympathy for the club's former player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently without a club.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of his generation, having won five Ballon d'Ors.

However, things haven't gone as planned for the Portugal captain in recent months.

Ronaldo was initially unsuccessful in his bid to join a UEFA Champions League club during the summer transfer window.

The 37-year-old then often found himself relegated to the bench under Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The former Juventus star didn't hold back from expressing his frustrations to Ten Hag.

Ronaldo finally launched an attack on Man United and Ten Hag in a controversial interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.

This interview led to Man United terminating his contract by mutual consent last month and Ronaldo took part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a free agent.

Ronaldo was later dropped to the bench for Portugal's World Cup knockout matches by Fernando Santos before being knocked out of the tournament.

His antics, both on and off the pitch, have seen him criticized by many fans and pundits in recent months.

But Alaba has now come to Ronaldo's defence, suggesting that most criticism directed at him is unfair.

Alaba said on Servus TV [via Madrid Universal]: "What he [Ronaldo] has done over the past 15 years, I am personally very grateful to him.

"He helped shape our generation. What he accomplished is incredible. It's sad and unfortunate that you have to see scenes like this or read such things about him."