Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria has said that the Spanish club "needs" forward Cristiano Ronaldo for long-term success.

The 27-year-old Portuguese forward recently said that he does not know "what will happen in the future" once his contract with the Spanish champions runs out.

"He has to decide," Di Maria told reporters. "He still has a contract with the club and truly is a great player - one that Real Madrid needs - so I think it'll make everyone happy if he signed a new contract. But it is his decision."

Ronaldo's current contract with Madrid expires in June 2015.