Carlo Ancelotti: "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player I have coached"

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player he has coached in his career.

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Ludogorets, the Italian singled out Ronaldo ahead of players like Zidane, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo.

"Without disrespecting anyone, Cristiano is the best player I have coached in my career," Ancelotti said.

"Cristiano is always the same. He is a very professional player, serious about the game. He is fighting for what the jersey means. He is a leader in the dressing-room, who does not talk much, but very important for the example he gives with work he does."

The 29-year-old forward has been in sublime form this season scoring 10 goals in his opening 5 league games.

The 3-time Champions League winning manager had earlier ruled out Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United amidst strong rumours for the past month or so.

Manchester United fans even went to the extent of flying a “Come Home Ronaldo” banner during a Real Madrid match.

A year ago, the 55-year-old was asked to pick his all time Xi consisting of players he had coached.

This is the team he had named back then.

Ancelotti’s best XI: Buffon; Cafu, Terry, Thiago Silva, Maldini; Lampard, Pirlo,Zidane; Kaka; Shevchenko, Ibrahimovic.

Substitutes: Cech; Cole, Nesta; Gattuso, Seedorf; Drogba, Inzaghi.

One would have to wonder which of these players would make way for Ronaldo if he picked his best Xi in present day.