Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when naming the 'best atmosphere' he's ever experienced

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when naming the best atmosphere he has ever experienced in world football.

Ronaldo has played for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr during an illustrious playing career.

He has taken on and defeated Europe's elite clubs, winning the Champions League on five occasions and being named as a five-time Ballon d'Or.

Now aged 40, Ronaldo recently signed a new contract to keep him at Al Nassr until the summer of 2027.

He brought up the landmark of 100 goals for Al Nassr on Saturday, becoming the first player to reach that tally at four different clubs.

Ronaldo is set to be selected in Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be his first experience of competitive football played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But the tournament will have to go some way to beat the 'best atmosphere' Ronaldo has ever experienced during his playing career.

During his time at Manchester United, the Portuguese legend twice played at Celtic Park, the home of Scottish giants Celtic.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side failed to win on either occasion, with Celtic winning 1-0 in a Champions League group stage clash in November 2006.

Two years later, Ronaldo assisted Ryan Giggs' late equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

In an article published by Celtic's website in 2020, the forward is quoted as saying: "The Celtic fans are incredible. It is always great to play there."

Ronaldo is not the only player to describe Parkhead as football's best atmosphere, with Lionel Messi and his legendary Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez doing likewise.

But AC Milan and Italy icon Paolo Maldini perhaps best summed up the general feeling when he said: "Every professional footballer should seek to play at least one game at Celtic Park. I have never felt anything like it."

Celtic will be in the Champions League group stage this season if they defeat Kazakh side FC Kairat Almaty in the second leg of their final qualifying round clash after a 0-0 draw at Celtic Park - a result worth £40 million in prize money if they can win.