Ronaldo was inspirational for Portugal once again and Swiss midfielder Xhaka says he is rightly considered one of the world's best
Cristiano Ronaldo is "not in this world" according to Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, who feels clear daylight remains between the Portugal and Juventus star, Lionel Messi and the rest of football's prime talents.
"I think we had a very good game. In my opinion we were the better team but the difference is they have Ronaldo," said the Arsenal midfielder, who will now prepare for a third-place match in Guimaraes against England after Netherlands triumphed 3-1 during extra time in Thursday's semi-final.
"It's unbelievable what a player he is. It's not for nothing that he's one of the best players in the world.
"He's special because he knows always where you have to go and to be.
"I think we had him in our hands but, in the end, he scored three times and we lost the game.
"I think we can be proud how we play, against a very good team."
Before the match, Xhaka suggested the challenge facing Ronaldo was perhaps comparable to taking on Real Madrid-bound Eden Hazard, who dazzled as Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners over Arsenal in the Europa League final last week.
But afterwards the 26-year-old conceded his most recent tormentor and Messi reside on a different plane.
Asked whether Ronaldo was the best player in the world, he replied: "One of them. In my opinion you have two of them. They are not in this world.
"Those two are clear of the rest. If you play at 34 on this level you deserve a lot of respect.
"He shows in all the games – international and with Juventus – that he has unbelievable quality.
"It's difficult to stop him and he showed up not in a good moment for us."
josephatmwansa
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Switzerland fan celebrated Cristiano Ronald goal
aryan-tyagi
126
over the decade football has been divided in 2 half's. one side messi and ronaldo and the other side rest of the world. sadly seem people never enjoyed them as they were too busy fighting over who's the goat. just sit back and enjoy the most magical football beings you would ever see
Khayaledumile
101
" If you play at 34 on this level you deserve a lot of respect." this is one thing that most managers n players are afraid to say or admit...well done Xhaka...I respect you!
CrisRon7SSA
89
They are not just footballers but also inspiration for millions. One hell of an example that if you believe you can really do it
Woyakpryz
45
Sharaaap!! Undisputably it has to be Leo Messi or otherwise Give it to Haaland the Under 20 wonderkid that scored 9goals in this difficult modern game- Its hard to place Mourinho's comment. Why is he speaking from the two sides of his mouth? How much has he collected from Ronaldo for this laundry? Koeman must be drunk as he spoke! Van Vidkj cannot play one season game to win world best player award were there are scorers that made the game sweet. And who's the highest goal scorer of UCL or do goals no longer counts? It all depends on how one rates between Volley & Freekicks! To me Messi's Freekick was Aimfully Made!!! In total possession Leo Messi has 75% whereas the rest of footballers with Ronaldo holds 25%!!!!!
lidacrtz
39
Beta Dan de rest & on a whole different Level
Hayabckrs
35