CR7, Bale to decide on Real future

KIEV, Ukraine (AP):

Straight after a third successive Champions League title was secured, Cristiano Ronaldo was talking about Real Madrid in the past tense.

Real's biggest star hinted he was unsure he'd stay with the club. Their best player in the Champions League final, Gareth Bale, looks more likely to be departing.

"In the next few days I'll give the fans an answer because they are the ones who have always been by my side," Ronaldo said. "It was very beautiful to be with Madrid."

Keeping up the cryptic tone, he added: "The future of any player is not important. We made history."

After soaring to score a magnificent bicycle kick for Madrid's second goal, Bale brought his fans back down to Earth with his announcement that he'll discuss his future with his agent this summer.

The Welshman was a substitute in four of seven Champions League games this season, including his super-sub display in the final.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane responded very differently to the two players' comments.

On Ronaldo, Zidane was clear yesterday: "He will stay with us at Real Madrid," and predicted the Portuguese star's tone would soon change. "Perhaps in three or four days' time he might say something else."

On Bale, Zidane was circumspect.

"It's a little bit of a complicated situation but everyone has their own interests, their own future to think about," he said. "It's true some players deserve more playing time on the pitch, but this is a decision that has to be made by the manager."