Real’s 49-goal Ronaldo hailed as ‘better than ever’ as he goes for FOURTH title
ZINEDINE ZIDANE believes Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than he ever was.
Ronaldo is aiming for his fourth Champions League victory, while Real Madrid manager Zidane is targeting history by helping the La Liga winners become the first team to retain the trophy since it was renamed in 1992. But Zidane modestly also says Ronaldo’s ability, goals and eye for the spectacular mean he is on a different level from his own playing days. Real legend and France World Cup winner Zidane, 44, did not hesitate when asked who would be the biggest star if they were both playing today. “Ronaldo, no doubt,” he said. “He scores goals and that’s most important. I used to play quite well but scoring goals was not my speciality. I was better at assists. I scored some important goals but not many. He’s a good person. He worries about the others. What’s important is what he does professionally. He always wants more.
“Even in a training session he wants to win. What he offers us is that he always wants to win. He has something inside. He is a born leader, especially on the pitch.”
Ronaldo has scored 404 goals in 393 games for Real Madrid and, despite being 32, his dominance is stronger than ever, even if he has moved to a more central role in recent times.
Of Real’s chances, Zidane added: “There is no pressure. I think Real know how to feed off pressure. I have seen it as a player and coach. People always say we are favourites but there are no favourites in a final. “It’s one game. Many things can happen. Its 50-50.”
Real defender Sergio Ramos (above) says they are determined to write their name into history.
He said: “We have an appointment with history, and we’re extremely motivated and excited about the possibility.
“We are aware of the opportunity history has given us. We don’t think we will have a problem but we will see what happens.”