Cristiano Ronaldo gives advice to Man City players as ex-Man Utd star backs Pep Guardiola's side to 'come back' from miserable run

Ronaldo, who has won the Champions League five times during his illustrious career, was honoured at the glitzy gala in Dubai, collecting awards for the Best Middle Eastern Player and the Top Goalscorer of All Time. Speaking after being given his trophies, the Portuguese superstar backed Guardiola's side to recover from their current dip in form while emphasizing Real Madrid’s enduring prowess in Europe’s premier competition.

"Teams always have their good and bad moments. Now Manchester City have gone through a bad moment but they will come back," he said at the Globe Soccer Awards.

"I would tell City to their players that they have to show more and not talk now. The great players know where the problem is."

Shifting the focus to one of his former clubs, Ronaldo praised Real Madrid for their consistent ability to shine in the Champions League. Despite some early setbacks this season, which see them reeling at the 20th spot in the Champions League with just nine points in six games, he predicted that the Spanish giants would once again assert their dominance on the European stage.

"As for Madrid, in the end they are always there, you can never give them up for dead," he said. "I would bet on Real Madrid winning the Champions League again because all the other teams are scared when they play Madrid at the Bernabeu. I would bet on Madrid because they always come back. They had difficulties at the beginning, but then they have improved."

Ronaldo’s comments come at a critical juncture for City, who are striving to regain their rhythm. Injuries and a stretched squad have hindered their usual high standards, but Guardiola’s men will look to turn things around when they face Leicester City on Sunday. The Foxes, currently battling relegation, could offer City the opportunity to rebuild confidence and return to winning ways.