Madrid, Oct 3 (IANS): Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has apologized for being "a bit of a b*****d" with the media lately.

He made the observation at an event after he equalled Raul's record as the club's all-time leading goal scorer.

Ronaldo equalled Raul's record of 323 goals for the Madrid club with a brace in the 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo on Wednesday.

The double in Sweden also took the former Manchester United forward past the 500 career goals mark, joining the ranks of prodigious goal scorers such as Gerd Muller and Ferenc Puskas.

"I want to thank the media, because I know that lately I've been a bit of a b*****d with them, but it's my way of being," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by goal.com on Friday.

"And my friends, Jorge Mendes and my mother. And the president for this event, Hala Madrid!" he said.

At the event organised by Real, with his team-mates and coaching staff present, Ronaldo chose to thank those that had helped him throughout his career.

"I am very happy, thanks to my team-mates because without them this would never be possible," he said.

"Also thanks to all my coaches, Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez. They have always helped me, the equipment managers, the physios," Ronaldo said.

There is some controversy behind the counting of the goal tally, with Ronaldo, the club believing that the former Manchester United attacker has reached 324 goals. But official records suggest the Portuguese remains on 323 goals, level with Raul.