Brazil legend Romário has spoken highly about Cristiano Ronaldo during an interview.
The 53-year-old World Cup winner, who has since become a politician and represents Rio de Janeiro in the Federal Senate, said that he would rank the Juventus ace in the five best players in history.
"I love Messi, he's great, but it must also be said Cristiano Ronaldo is among the five best players in history," he told Fox Sports (via Marca).
"If I had to choose one to play with, I would stay with Messi. He's more technically gifted, I'd rather see Leo than Cristiano."
Romário also admitted that he was impressed with the 34-year-old Portuguese star's determination to push himself as far as he possibly can in the sport.
"He's a very focused guy with undeniable talent," he explained.
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"It's necessary to celebrate him, he works to be the best. I think his evolution is a direct result of that work."
Ronaldo returned to the Portugal starting XI last week for the first time since last summer's World Cup, though his side were held to a 0-0 draw in their opening Euro 2020 qualifying match against Ukraine.
Lionel Messi also made his return to the Argentina national side, which ended in a 3-1 defeat to Venezuela.
Following on from Portugal's Euro 2020 qualifying match against Serbia, Ronaldo will be looking ahead to the rest of the season with the Old Lady and resuming their Champions League campaign next month.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was instrumental in the reigning Serie A champions' progression to the quarter-finals, having scored a brilliant hat-trick against Atlético Madrid.
Massimiliano Allegri's men learned in the Champions League draw that they had been paired with Ajax in the next stage of the competition, but Andrea Pirlo believes that his former side will dominate the Eredivisie side.
"Juventus' target is Europe now. They have changed their mentality," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Ronaldo decided to change his life at 33. It means he had great motivations and he settled in well very quickly.
"In a season, there is always a turnaround, a perfect game that changes the season.
"I think Juve can physically destroy Ajax, it was a good draw.
"Ajax beat Real Madrid, but Real were as unorganised as ever and that's rare. It won't happen with Juve.
"Juventus can win the Champions League provided that they won't repeat what they did in Madrid."
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