Real Madrid - Kashima Antlers, Club World Cup Final 2016

Zinedine Zidane has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in Real Madrid’s history and backed the striker to win yet another Ballon d’Or after picking up the esteemed individual award for the fourth time on Monday.

“Any other player could come to Madrid and he’s never going to achieve what Cristiano has achieved,” said Zidane when asked to reflect on the Portuguese forward’s Ballon d’Or victory.

"He can win the Ballon d'Or again" 

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“It’s no exaggeration to say that he’s the best player in the history of Real Madrid,” continued the French coach. “And the four Ballon d’Ors? Bravo. I think he can win it again.”

Zidane was talking to the press ahead of his side’s FIFA Club World Cup semifinal with Mexico’s Club America in Japan on Thursday, where Real Madrid will be looking secure a place in Sunday’s final and pick up the title for the second time following their triumph in the competition two years ago in Morocco.

“We know the importance of the competition”

“We know the importance of the competition,” said Zidane. “We want to win, of course. We arrive tired from the journey but we have time to acclimatise. We’re ready.”

The Frenchman also praised the great support for the team amongst local Japanese fans since the team touched down in the country on Monday. “We’ve received a lot of shows of affection from the Japanese fans. Being so far away we can’t always share moments with them and I’m pleased to have come [here].”

Ramos ruled out 

Zidane confirmed that captain Sergio Ramos will not be risked for Thursday’s match after suffering from some minor problems in the wake of his game-winning antics against Deportivo last weekend.