Brazil striker Ronaldo hinted today he would leave Real Madrid at the end of the season because of a lack of support from fans at the Bernabeu.

"I've never felt at home at the Bernabeu, the fans have never treated me with affection," the three times World Player of the Year told a news conference ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League meeting with Arsenal. "The fans have never accepted me.

"The reaction of the fans is something to take into account when thinking about my future. I've always said that I don't want to be where I'm not loved. "I will make a decision at the end of the season. After all the effort I made to come to this club I don't understand why I'm treated like this. I will decide after the World Cup."

Ronaldo joined Real for €35 million from Inter Milan after the 2002 World Cup and is under contract until 2008. He was whistled by a section of Real supporters after he failed to score during a 3-0 win over Alaves at the weekend.

Ronaldo's admission was a bombshell on the eve of his side's tie against Arsenal. He has been Real's leading scorer in every season since joining the club.

"I've thought about it and spoken with thousands of people and I have never understood why the fans have so little patience with me. As soon as I make an error people jeer me."

"I still haven't thought about leaving Real Madrid yet. At the end of the season I will make a decision. The president knows how I feel and why I'm sad about this. I don't know how the fans will react to what I said but to be honest I don't care."