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Cristiano Ronaldo's name is already etched in history as one of the greatest players ever to play the beautiful game.
Time and again, the Real Madrid superstar never fails to mesmerise people with his uncanny skills. He is regarded as the most complete footballer the game has ever seen.
As a tribute to the living legend from Portugal, here are the ten best quotes about him from footballers all over the globe.
#10 Robbie Ryan
I have never played against anybody like that in my life and I was pleased to be taken off.
English and former Millwall defender Robbie Ryan came up against Ronaldo in the 2004 FA Cup final. The centre-back, though in awe of Ronaldo's style of play, hardly stood a chance against the United number 7's searing pace and trickery.
Ronaldo didn't think twice before punishing the tough-tackling defender, compelling manager Dennis Wise to substitute him.
#9 Gerard Pique
The best player I have ever played against has to be Ronaldo. You cannot afford to take your eyes off him.
Gerard Pique established himself as the centrepiece alongside Carles Puyol in a sturdy Barcelona defence. And though he might favour Leo Messi above CR7, Pique has a bunch of praises for his former subordinate.
Whenever the El Clasico is on, it's a treat to watch Ronaldo competing with the Spaniard. Their desire and drive to win makes the affair special.
It is very unusual to see a Barcelona player praising their bitter opponents. Nonetheless, Ronaldo's ability to punish defenders for the tiniest of mistakes hasn't gone unnoticed it seems, even by his fiercest rivals!
#8 Pepe
Comparing Ronaldo and Messi is like comparing an Alien with a human. Ronaldo doesn't have blood.
Pepe is regarded as one of the top-notch defenders in world football. Both started their careers together and were instrumental in Portugal's Euro 2016 campaign as well as Real Madrid's bid to win a record tenth Champions League title. The two stars are also known to be good friends off the pitch.
Although Pepe might not have faced Ronaldo as much as other defenders like Puyol and Pique, the tough-tackling centre-back must have certainly found it a challenge in coming up against his countryman daily during training.
For Pepe, it is Cristiano Ronaldo who beats Messi as the world's best by a mile. Quite a loyal teammate he is!
#7 Ian Holloway
He’s six-foot something, fit as a flea, good-looking – he’s got to have something wrong with him….Hopefully he’s hung like a hamster! That would make us all feel better!
Ian Holloway couldn't have described it in a better way. Did you know Ronaldo's body contains 10% less fat when compared to that of a professional model?
It is no secret that the Real Madrid star treats his body like a temple. Although he might not be someone who walks the ramp day in day out, Ronaldo's consciousness regarding his fitness and a tough physical regime is the secret behind his fitness.
The Queens Park Rangers boss has failed to find a flaw in the Real Madrid talisman. Keep looking, Ian. You won't find one!
#6 Yaya Toure
With Ronaldo in your team, you become the best midfielder automatically.
There's no better praise than the one that comes from your direct rivals. Yaya Toure perfectly underlines Cristiano Ronaldo's qualities as a team player. It is no surprise to see Real Madrid underperforming in his absence.
Although Ronaldo deserves a worthy credit for his immaculate finishing skills, he also inspires a certain confidence in his teammates with his style of play. As Zidane puts it, 'With Ronaldo on your team, you are already 1-0 up.'
It is no secret that the duo is counted amongst the best players of their age. Also, it is no secret that the legend has a wondrous vision and is equally capable of creating chances for his teammates. Well said, Yaya!
#5 Ryan Giggs
Ronaldo can score with either of his feet, his head and now he is scoring with the goal at his back. I bet he can score on wheelchair.
Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is in awe of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has clearly been impressed with the Portuguese skipper's all-around abilities. And when it comes to Ronaldo's searing pace, the Welshman might have been reminded of his early days.
The former United number 7 might have lost his pace with age, but there's no doubt he was a sight to watch when he took on the Premier League defenders in scathing runs across the pitch.
And of course, every one of us will savour the moment if CR7 does make it from the wheelchair!
#4 Gary Neville
If you stop him from shooting from distances, he will dribble his way into the box. If you stop him from shooting from inside the box, he will score from headers. IF your left-back stops him, he will make your center-back suffer. If you stop him from dribbling he will use his pace to get past you. If you stop him from scoring he will assist. In short if you stop him from anything, he will get past you anyways.
Gary Neville is taking the world by storm for his clever remarks as a Sky Sports Pundit. Amongst the many greats with whom he has shared the pitch, Ronaldo has successfully made it into his all-time Manchester United XI with a bunch of greats.
Quite hard to disagree over his claim as the world's best, isn't it?
#3 Carlo Ancelotti
He fights for the shirt and he is a leader. Although he doesn't talk a lot, he leads by example.
A fine tribute to Ronaldo's dedication by Carlo Ancelotti. Ronaldo will certainly be thankful to the wily Italian, under whose reign Real Madrid realised their dream for the La Decima. And although the stay of togetherness was short, Ancelotti definitely relished working with the Portuguese skipper.
Carlo Ancelotti has a long list of legends when it comes to bragging about the players he has coached throughout his illustrious career. However, the Italian didn't hesitate while going on record saying Ronaldo was the best he had ever coached. After coaching heavyweights like Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo, that's quite a compliment.
#2 Jose Mourinho
I had only one problem with him, very simple, very basic, which was when a coach criticises a player from a tactical viewpoint trying to improve what in my view could have been improved. And at that moment he didn't take it very well because maybe he thinks he knows everything and the coach cannot help him to develop more.
Former Real Madrid boss and fellow countryman Jose Mourinho rates his colleague on a high level.
Mourinho and Ronaldo might have had their differences at Real Madrid, but it is a tough task to refrain from praising the Real Madrid talisman when his exploits on the pitch are concerned.
That quote does describe the arrogance of the mercurial forward, but surely the arrogance is forgiven when you are the best player in the world.
#1 Jese Rodriguez
I remember the first time I went to Real Madrid's training. I got there two hours earlier to impress my coaches but when I reached I saw Cristiano Ronaldo already training.
That's what he truly is, a hardworking and a dedicated guy. Even after being so many years on the top, CR7 does not mess up with his professionalism. Nothing in the world seems to quench his hunger for trophies, be it individual or collective. His fierce dedication and grit have made him a role model for millions all over the globe.
Ronaldo's story teaches us one crucial thing - It certainly is more difficult to stay on top than reaching it. Cristiano Ronaldo, take a bow!
