Former Barcelona and Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta says Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo needs to realise he must adjust his game.

Mendieta has suggested that Ronaldo's days of scoring spectacular goals from outside the area are over.

“Cristiano is showing that he understands that he can no longer collect the ball in the centre of the pitch, take it past five players and score the goal of the game," said Mendieta on Wednesday at a promotional event.

“He knows that where the team needs him most is in the area."

Mendieta also heaped praise on Atletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone for “changing the mentality of the club and the fans."

“He's done so much that now people don't think of Real Madrid as favourites. Atletico have shown they can beat Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderón as well as in the Bernabéu."