Cristiano Ronaldo is repentant and determined to win back the confidence of the Real Madrid fans, according to Marca, as his agent told ESPN: "I can be sure that he will evolve in ways that will impress people."
Ronaldo has endured a frustrating spell since retaining the Ballon d'Or last month, having struggled to replicate the goalscoring form he showed late last year and admitted he has been playing through pain after the Copa del Rey exit to Atletico Madrid.
He also confirmed he had broken up with long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk, received a red card during the 2-1 win over Cordoba and faced criticism for his poor performance in the 4-0 derby defeat at Atletico Madrid.
Following that game, he rowed with a reporter and then staged a party to mark his 30th birthday, which prompted anger among some supporters.
Ronaldo has been keeping a low profile while videos and photos of the party have circulated, without speaking to any reporters or taking to social media to directly explain or apologise for any offence his behaviour might have caused Madrid fans hurting from the "derbi" humiliation.
However, sources close to the player told Marca that he feels "repentant" and knows his standards have slipped recently, although he hopes the fans get behind him during Saturday's La Liga fixture against Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
'Arrepentido' #LaPortada pic.twitter.com/MKmjbfCrot
- MARCA (@marca) February 12, 2015
Meanwhile, agent Jorge Mendes told ESPN Deportes that it was not easy being Ronaldo, and it was only natural that things would get on top of him at times.
"You get heated, you are at home, you have family... and tomorrow you have an argument," Mendes said. "For any reason. You can see that. But is not easy to be Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano is human. He has good moments and bad moments. He has always been improving, but he is a human being."
Mendes said Ronaldo's desire to be the best in the world would again come to the fore.
"Since I have known him, he has always been the same in terms of ambition and determination -- he always wants more and more," he said. "And I can be sure that he will evolve in ways that will impress people, because for him it is always important to be the best."