Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to Real Madrid teammates for his bust-up with coach Jose Mourinho last week, it has been revealed. Ronaldo talked back to Mourinho in the aftermath of their Copa win over Valencia, taking issue with the coach's criticism.

After mulling over the confrontation, Ronaldo called together the squad before Friday's training session to apologise, says Punto Pelota.

"I want to talk about what happened on Tuesday with our coach, I want to apologize," said Ronaldo. "We have to pull together and go forward. I ask for unity and hard work. We still have things to win."

Those close to the Real locker room say Ronaldo has become a bigger influence among the leadership group this season.