RONALDO: HE’S SIMPLY THE BEST

A FEW months ago, a contact of mine told me a story about Cristiano Ronaldo.

Apparently, the Portuguese was concerned he might be slowing up.

So he sought some advice and decided the best way forward, at 33, was to adjust his body mass index.

Not that the Real Madrid magician needs to trim any fat.

But he was so dedicated that he altered his physique to stay on top of his game. Say what you like – and most of us have slammed him for cheating and play-acting over the years – but that show in Sochi on Friday night was not only the best match I’ve ever seen, but also one of the best individual performances.

And consider this: The world of English football rose as one to salute Wayne Rooney’s achievements when he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s international goalscoring record.

That’s only right and proper.

Perhaps that’s in retaliation for the refusal of the Russian’s green card. Who knows?

There have been difficult times in the past at Chelsea.

For example, out of all of the Big Six, Rooney netted 53 from 119 appearances. By comparison, Ronaldo took his tally to 84 from 151 in Russia – and he’s still going.

Indeed, there is talk that he could appear in his fifth World Cup in 2020. He will be 37 then.

It’s difficult to let the moment pass without saying something.

But in terms of his achievements, dedication to his art and country, Cristiano Ronaldo (right) is the best I’ve seen.