Former Portugal international Costinha believes "it isn't possible not to love Cristiano Ronaldo unless you are jealous."
Costinha, 45, was Ronaldo's international colleague when Portugal reached the Euro 2004 final.
Advert
The former midfielder, who played for the likes of Porto and Atletico Madrid, says Ronaldo worked extremely hard and asked older players a lot of questions to become a better player.
He also thinks Ronaldo's time at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson helped him become more aggressive in his pursuit of footballing perfection.
When Sir Alex Ferguson waited patiently to congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo
Costinha explained the Juventus forward's keys to his incredible success and claims it isn't possible not to love him.
Advert
"You could see immediately that he wanted to become the best," he told Goal.
"He trained to be the best. He was really amazing. He was a player who respected the older players and he asked a lot of questions to become better. Bit by bit, he took his spot in the team, and Portugal has benefitted a lot from his personality and leadership.
"He works hard. He doesn't sit and wait for things to arrive to him. He searches out how to be a better player."
Monday motivation!💪🏻 The Competition is coming ⚽️😀
He added: "If he sees people saying someone in the opposition's team is better than him, then he must show him and the world who really is the best. He benefitted a lot from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and that team made him more aggressive.
Advert
"It taught him when to dribble and when to pass the ball. Still, his belief was so strong that he would rise up the ranks.
"It isn't possible not to love Ronaldo unless you are jealous. He is humble and I am happy for the success he had today.
"I saw him work to become the best and I am Portuguese, so he makes me proud."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid