Cristiano
Ronaldo made an emotional return to Lisbon on Thursday evening as Real
Madrid touched down in Portugal ahead of Saturday's all Spanish
Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.
The
29-year-old looked relaxed as he chatted with compatriot Pepe after
stepping off Real's private plane at Lisbon airport, just 48 hours
before Carlo Ancelotti's side take to the pitch at the Estadio da Luz.
Ronaldo
arrived back in the capital, where he spent six years playing for
Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003, having been
assured of a place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI against Atletico.
Home sweet home: Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates arrive at Lisbon airport
All smiles: Ronaldo shares a joke with Portugal team-mate Pepe as Real's players board a coach
Ready to go: Ronaldo is expected to be fit for Saturday's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid
Big occasion: Gareth Bale is also fit to take on Diego Simeone's side at the Estadio da Luz
Man in charge: Carlo Ancelotti is looking to lead Real to their first Champions League title in 12 years
The
Portuguese has not played since Madrid's 1-1 draw with Valladolid on May
7, when he had to be withdrawn after just eight minutes because of
injury.
Ronaldo
was set to play against Espanyol in Real's final La Liga game of the
season last weekend, but felt discomfort during his warm-up and was
removed from the squad as a precaution.
Despite worries over his fitness, Ancelotti has confirmed that his star man will be able to face Diego Simeone's title winners.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Italian said: 'Gareth (Bale) and Cristiano will play and that's the most important thing.'
Ronaldo added: 'Nobody wants to miss a final, a final we have been aiming for and it is obviously important.
'If the body can't do it then it is not the end of the world but I will be there, I am confident.'
Defender Sergio Ramos is certain to start Saturday's showpiece as Real aim to win 'La Decima' - the club's 10th European Cup.
The
Spanish international has never played in the Champions League final
before and describes the chance to win the famous trophy as a 'dream'.
Previewing the clash with Atletico for club sponsors Bwin, Ramos said: 'It's a special moment. It is a dream and a reward for the sacrifices and work of so many years.
Looking good: Madrid stars (from left to right) Marcelo, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos step off the plane
Even battle: Sergio Ramos believes the Champions League final against Atletico is '50-50'
Young gun: Spanish star Isco (right) looks likely to be left on the bench for Saturday's final
'Although
we look at it more as a collective level, it is a reward for the work
of the team has carried out all of these years.'
There
has been plenty of talk about Real's failure to be crowned kings of
Europe since 2002, but Ramos insists that his side will not be
overwhelmed by pressure
'We
shouldn't talk about pressure or obsession either,' he said. 'I think
it is more the hopes we have to be able to win the Champions League and
to be able to share it with the fans.'
Ramos
had claimed that Real were underdogs to emerge victorious in Lisbon,
but he now admits that the clash with city rivals Atleti is too
difficult to call, even after his side's defeat in the 2013 Copa del Rey
final.
He added: 'They aren't very different (the finals), we are practically the same players, there
is a title at stake. It is 50-50. Both of us will use our strengths to
try and win the game.'
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