Ibrahimovic: Cristiano not a natural talent, but Ronaldo was
The Manchester United striker told ESPN that he rates Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho higher than Real Madrid star Cristiano as their talents were purely innate New Zealand-Portugal live
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In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic singled out former Brazil and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo ahead of other legend Ronaldinho and current Los Blancos star Cristiano Ronaldo as his favourite striker.
"Ronaldo was a true phenomenon"
“I think I’d go for Ronaldo,” said Ibrahimovic. “For me, he was an example of what football is. Everything he did left you open mouthed. The way he dribbled, the way he ran, the way he scored, he was a true phenomenon.
“What he did I think no one will be able to repeat,” the Swede continued. “Because it was something natural, not something constructed. Ronaldo was natural; born to be what he was…he didn’t have to train to change himself. This type of player isn’t made, but born. He’s special.”
"He made everyone else seem like kids"
Ibrahimovic was also full of praise for Ronaldinho, despite saying that the Brazilian was past his best by the time they player together at AC Milan.
“Ronaldinho was also an excellent player,” he told ESPN. “We played together in Milan but by then he’d already seen his best days. But still I adored playing with him. I remember him running with that hair, rapid, and when he wanted to he made everyone else seem like kids compared to him.”
Cristiano success "the result of training"
On Cristiano Ronaldo, however, Zlatan wasn’t as gushing, saying that the Portuguese’s qualities aren’t innate, but through the product of just sheer hard work.
“We haven’t had the opportunity to play together. He is different because it’s the result of training. It’s not natural.”