Cristiano Ronaldo probably needs a little love, says Guti

Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti insists Cristiano Ronaldo's unhappiness must be down to personal rather than financial reasons.

The 35-year-old scored 46 goals in 387 appearances for the Spanish champions, before moving to Besiktas in July 2010.

"If he [Ronaldo] is sad, it's not down to money, it will be about something personal," the former Spain international told reporters. "He probably just needs to feel a little love, something we all need sometimes."

Guti admits Madrid's start to this season's La Liga campaign, which has left them eight points off fierce rivals Barcelona, has been poor but tips Jose Mourinho's side to improve.

"The team hasn't made a good start, but that's understandable given the European Championship," said the three-time Champions League winner.

"There's still a long way to go in the championship. [Winning] the tenth Champions League is a great objective and Madrid can achieve it this year, as well as battling it out with Barcelona in La Liga."

The retired attacking midfielder also played down the significance of defender Sergio Ramos being consigned to a place on the bench in the 3-2 home victory over Manchester City on Tuesday.

"There won't be any problem, it's happened before," said Guti. "Ramos plays a lot of games with Madrid and the national team and it was probably even good for him."

 "Just because you miss a game, it's not the end of the world," he added.