I have become a better player at Real Madrid, says Ronaldo

Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo believes he has become a better player since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 and has thrived on the obsession the La Liga club have with winning a 10th European title.

Real play city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24 and are one step away from the record-extending continental crown that has eluded them since they last won Europe`s elite club competition exactly 12 years ago, on May 15, 2002. Ronaldo, 29, is the top scorer in this season`s competition with a record 16 goals, two more than the previous best set by Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and former AC Milan striker Jose Altafini. "I`ve changed for the better, of course," Ronaldo said on Real`s website on Thursday (www.realmadrid.com). "I won the Champions league with Manchester United and now this is my fifth season with Real Madrid," added the Portugal captain, a European champion with the English Premier League club in 2008. "I`ve always dreamed of winning this competition with this club (Real), it is a trophy we have spent years trying to win. "As a result, from the very first day we arrive at the club we feel a positive kind of pressure geared towards winning the Champions League. "Pressure is a part of football and of playing for Real Madrid. We are used to having to win all the time, but it is fine. I like the pressure because it makes me a better player. It is a special kind of adrenaline we feel." Ronaldo has been struggling with a leg muscle strain in recent weeks but Real said he trained with his team mates on Thursday.