Cristiano Ronaldo admits he has come into form at just the right time

The Ballon d'Or holder was unstoppable at the Emirates Stadium, leading the line superbly as a lone striker and leaving the Arsenal defence chasing shadows.

"The last few games I feel very good," Ronny told ITV Sport. "This is a special time in the season, the best games are coming. I try to play good all the time, sometimes it's not possible but I try all the time. The last games, I think I'm playing ok and helping the team, which is most important.

"I can play (as a striker) sometimes but it's not my original position. If the Boss thinks I can do a good job in that position. My priority is to play striker, goalkeeper, left winger... I just want to play."

The Portuguese was quick to offer his sympathies to team-mate Darren Fletcher, who will miss out on a second successive Champions League final after being unfairly sent off at the Emirates.

"It's very disappointing," said Ronaldo. "He deserves to be in the final because he's a fantastic player. He runs a lot, he's a team player and he deserves to play, but this is football."