Milan striker Ronaldo has attempted to draw a line under the scandal involving three transvestite prostitutes by giving a blow-by-blow account of what really happened that night.

The Brazil marksman, currently recovering from a knee injury, found himself at the centre of a controversial sexposé after picking up a gender bending prostitute and his two friends and taking them to a motel in Rio de Janeiro's upmarket Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood at the end of last month.

It was later confirmed that Ronaldo had been the subject of an attempted extortion bid by the three transvestites and initial claims that the former Real Madrid, Barcelona, Internazionale and PSV Eindhoven ace had taken drugs were proved false.

Amid the numerous allegations and counter-denials which followed the unsavoury incident, Ronaldo has now sought to put the episode firmly behind him by explaining his version of events.

The 31-year-old told Spanish newspaper AS: "What happened with the transvestites was the worst thing that has ever happened to me.

"It was my mistake and I think about it every day. It caused me a lot of personal pain, but it hasn't changed my desire to play again.

"The true story is that I went to dinner with some friends. We left the restaurant at 4.30am and I did something stupid.

"I'd had an argument with my girlfriend and I was sad, so I was thinking lots. A girl came up to my car and I accepted her services.

"We went to a motel and she called some friends. When they arrived I realised that they weren't women, but men, transvestites. And then I told them that I had changed my mind.

"I didn't want to go any further because they weren't women and they demanded £24,000 or else they would go to the press.

"But they asked me for more money. I started to negotiate with them because I didn't want any trouble.

"So they went to the police station and made up lies about me to profit from the situation because I am famous.

"I don't normally go to prostitutes and I want people to know that. I have always had a girlfriend and I don't need that kind of service.

"I am heterosexual. I have no problem with homosexuals, but I like women. I have never taken drugs - I am a sportsman.

"My girlfriend didn't take it well. She was very angry with me and we argued, but afterwards she gave her support.

"It has been a tough thing for me and also for her. I think that she is also pregnant, but we will wait for the first few months to see if everything goes well.

"I understand that some people may have lost a little respect for me, but I have done a lot for football, for sport and for my country.

He added: "We all make mistakes and I have learned a lot from this experience. I did something stupid and I regret it more each day, but when I return to the pitch and score again everyone will forget it."

Ronaldo has not played since he ruptured a tendon in his knee during a Serie A game against Livorno in February and he is not expected back in action until September at the very earliest.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport