Ronaldo reveals problems in his personal life

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed "personal problems" are behind his dip in form - not trips to Morocco to spend time with a close friend.

The Portuguese star has enjoyed some sensational highs, including a five-goal haul against Espanyol , a Champions League hat-trick against Shakhtar and then four goals against Malmo last night at the Bernabeu.

Yet the 30-year-old has also endured some rocky lows, including one of his worst dry spells in a white shirt and criticism of his play and attitude.

But Ronaldo hinted that issues behind the scenes may have been to blame for some of his struggles.

“I’ve been below my level," he admitted after last night's 8-0 evisceration of Malmo , "but I’ve had things going on."

“I’m happy with the situation now but at the start of the season I have had personal problems."

Ronaldo, however, opted not to add any detail, claiming "they stay with me."

There has always been intense scrutiny on the private life of Ronaldo, ever since he dated soap star Gemma Atkinson in his early days as a Manchester United player.

Recently, lurid claims were made about him by a French gossip show host, while reports in Spain claimed that Madrid were concerned by frequent, near-daily trips to Morocco on his private jet.

Ronaldo has been pictured there with kickboxing champion and convicted criminal Badr Hari.

The Portugal captain broke another raft of Champions League records with his performance last night and will now look to drag Madrid to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona with a win against Villarreal this weekend.