Ronaldo determined to retire at Real Madrid despite love for Sporting

Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of celebration after scoring against his old club said it all.

The Sporting Lisbon product made his former employers pay Wednesday, when his free-kick erased the Portuguese side's surprising lead in the 89th minute before Alvaro Morata secured the three points for Real Madrid with an injury-time winner.

Related - Watch: Ronaldo finally scores a free-kick, doesn't celebrate vs. Sporting

While his teammates celebrated wildly, Ronaldo later explained his tempered response was made out of respect towards the club he joined as a 12-year-old.

"It was against the team where I learned my trade, the club has a place in my heart and I have a lot of respect for them, that's why I couldn't celebrate it," Ronaldo told reporters.

The conversation then shifted to remarks made by Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho, who stated that he hopes Ronaldo would consider wrapping up his illustrious career where it all began.

Related: Sporting president hopes Ronaldo ends career with club

However, Ronaldo, while flattered by the gesture, stayed true to his plans of retiring with Real Madrid.

"For me it's an honour that people still have affection for me. I feel lucky, but I'm great at Madrid and I want to finish here, because it's the club that's in my heart right now."

Sporting fans will get a chance to salute Ronaldo at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Nov. 22. when Real travels to Portugal for the return leg.