Ruud van Nistelrooy has lauded Brazilian legend Ronaldo as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star revealed that El Fenomeno had 'the best ability I have seen in my life'.
Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a superb career spanning 19 years, in which he rubbed shoulders with some of the greatest players of his era while at Old Trafford and the Bernabeu.
The Dutchman switched from Manchester to Madrid in 2006, linking up with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and World Cup-winning striker Ronaldo.
And Van Nistelrooy has given an insight into life training with El Fenomeno. Although at this point of his career the Brazilian had been scuppered by injuries and weight issues, the Dutchman said he was left 'screaming, applauding and bowing' after his displays on the training pitch.
'I signed there and of course Ronaldo Fenomeno was there,' Van Nistelrooy told the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE podcast.
'The thing is he already had so many injuries on his knee, his weight, people know all about it. But then we do four v four in training… oh my god Rio.'
The former United defender asked if he 'would have been screaming', to which the 44-year-old replied: 'No I was screaming. I’ve been applauding, I’ve been screaming, I’ve been bowing. I was like, "okay you’re pulling this off now, you at your best? Oh my, that is impossible". This is the best ability I have seen in my life.'
Ronaldo is remembered as an all-time great, given his exploits at the 2002 World Cup in particular, although in recent years the consensus is that the Brazilian has been eclipsed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Nistelrooy believes that had his former Madrid team-mate maintained a professional lifestyle and kept injury-free, he would have had a greater haul of Ballon d'Or trophies than the two mega-stars.
'Antonio Cassano, he was at Madrid at the time, an Italian striker, he would tell Ronaldo “if you didn’t have any injuries or lived in a more professional way you would have won the Ballon d’Or seven times, eight times."
'I agreed with that. Of course we are all champions, Champions League winners, won everything in the game, but if he had been able - injury, lifestyle whatever you call it - oh my god, you cannot imagine.'
Ronaldo endured recurring injuries over a two-year spell at Inter before he was transferred to Real Madrid following his World Cup triumph in 2002.
Those injuries impacted the explosiveness, power and raw pace that made him one of the greatest young players of all time.
The Brazilian ended his 18-year professional career a two-time World Cup winner and a two-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Ronaldo has been inducted into Inter's Hall of Fame while Spanish outlet Marca named him in the 'best foreign eleven in Madrid's history'.
FootballRealist
0
So say Ronaldo has the best ability equates to hating cr7, Messi, Pele, Maradona, etc?
Are you board?
Gurkhaaa
0
As a pure footballing talent he is THE greatest. Nobody even come close. He was that good.
Madrid-kid
0
Cr7 is the greatest
Wiaosuz
2
Take this Note.
Wiaosuz
0
CR7 haters a lyk wi gonna swallow 👆 up 😂 😂 hallaaa hallaaa cr7
Jummer
0
Ronaldo and De Lima only their name are similar other things are far beyond.
Jummer
0
Then hes GOAT nobody near him according to Ruud.
Mishell Olawale
0
Every time it's not about statistics. CR7 has a great statistics. That doesn’t mean Ronaldo Nazario's class is less. You can ask... There are lots of Critics who really believe Brazilian Ronaldo is better. The amount of time he played he has snatched away everyone's attention. And don't forget he had the record of highest goals in World Cup once. He had MARVELLOUS way of finishing and dribbling. He gave us joy to watch Football. The main reason I don’t like CR7 is he always busy to prove himself with statistics, he is too much materialistic. They are players from 2 different era. So, somebody might feel he is more better. I am mentioning some name who were really incredible and who will be: 1. Lionel Messi 2. Ronaldinho 3. Ronaldo Nazario 4. Zinedin Zidane Feel it. And certainly from start until now Messi is the GOAT. A sensation. CR7 was never Sensation. Messi feels our heart, but CR7 is mathematical.
He is simply the best 9 dat ever played....[100percent]
Nmelinmeli
0
Clearly you haven’t read the comments, jog on mate
So say Ronaldo has the best ability equates to hating cr7, Messi, Pele, Maradona, etc?
FootballRealist
0
So how is the article related to this comment???
Clearly you haven’t read the comments, jog on mate
Locbcdnprs
0
Every time it's not about statistics. CR7 has a great statistics. That doesn’t mean Ronaldo Nazario's class is less. You can ask... There are lots of Critics who really believe Brazilian Ronaldo is better. The amount of time he played he has snatched away everyone's attention. And don't forget he had the record of highest goals in World Cup once. He had MARVELLOUS way of finishing and dribbling. He gave us joy to watch Football. The main reason I don’t like CR7 is he always busy to prove himself with statistics, he is too much materialistic. They are players from 2 different era. So, somebody might feel he is more better. I am mentioning some name who were really incredible and who will be: 1. Lionel Messi 2. Ronaldinho 3. Ronaldo Nazario 4. Zinedin Zidane Feel it. And certainly from start until now Messi is the GOAT. A sensation. CR7 was never Sensation. Messi feels our heart, but CR7 is mathematical.
ok Ronaldo hater we heard loud & clear where's Maradona in ur line up? stupid f ck face
Zeybikmst
0
Every generation has its hero (heroes). This Goat talk all of the time is bull-s**t to me. El fenomeno was one of a kind!
Yea, now Messi and CR7, before Cruyff, Di Stefan’s, Pepe, Marasina, and possibly George Best!
shivam1810
0
You probably never saw Pepe or Cruyff play!
They are actually my 4th and 5th fav
vipersrt
4
Ronaldo nazario is really Overrated when compared to Cristiano. Just admit that Cristiano is a far greatest than him
LIVBARSIL
6
Every time it's not about statistics. CR7 has a great statistics. That doesn’t mean Ronaldo Nazario's class is less. You can ask... There are lots of Critics who really believe Brazilian Ronaldo is better. The amount of time he played he has snatched away everyone's attention. And don't forget he had the record of highest goals in World Cup once. He had MARVELLOUS way of finishing and dribbling. He gave us joy to watch Football. The main reason I don’t like CR7 is he always busy to prove himself with statistics, he is too much materialistic. They are players from 2 different era. So, somebody might feel he is more better. I am mentioning some name who were really incredible and who will be: 1. Lionel Messi 2. Ronaldinho 3. Ronaldo Nazario 4. Zinedin Zidane Feel it. And certainly from start until now Messi is the GOAT. A sensation. CR7 was never Sensation. Messi feels our heart, but CR7 is mathematical.
Zeybikmst
0
These are the world greatest players in order 1. Leo 2. Pele 3. Maradona 4. Gucho, Zidane, Cruyff, J.Best, Cristiano, G.Muller, Neymar
Cruyff stands alone!
Zeybikmst
0
For me the top 3 players of all time are Messi CR7 maradona
You probably never saw Pepe or Cruyff play!
Zeybikmst
0
because the Kiddies like the other Ronaldo more. the Brasilien Ronaldo is the real Ronaldo. much better. in Germany his name is only Ronaldo but I remember da Lima too. Messi is the best of all time because his shot is full of prescission without big movement. Cristiano Ronaldo is just in good header and Shooter this fantastic goal instinct but he isn't a great footballer. he is maybe Just in the top ten in my list of all time greatest. Messi is the greatest zen Ronaldo, Maradona, Ronaldinho. Pelé Johan Cruyff where before my time (51y)
Man you missed out. Pekoe and Cruyff were both incredible players, and Cruyff is both Ajax and Barcelona forever.
skelley7
0
why calling ronaldo brazilian ronaldo why can't you use delima Ronaldo or has people forgotten his full name
In Brazil he is “Ronaldo fenomeno”. He used to be Ronaldinho (World Cup ‘94) but then when Ronaldinho Gaucho (the Ronaldinho we all know) started to emerge, Ronaldo Fenomeno became “Ronaldo” haha
Ayaanzzy_10
0
I think I got one
[image]
oh yes u did
Tozbcinr
2
Even scoring highest internation goals+hattricks,Ucl alltime top scorer,Real.madrid.all time scorer..highest goal scorer of all time snooer..what is inneed to prove cr7..😂😂
Tozbcinr
0
Everybody has own opion free😂😂
Nmelinmeli
0
Lol everyone hating CR7, they really want Terminator to prove them wrong once again. Lastly different types of players in different era’s
So how is the article related to this comment???
Nmelinmeli
0
you are always jealous of Cr7
So how is the article related to this comment??
Nmelinmeli
0
and cristiano ronaldo is much more professional lives a healthier life and have more ballon D'or and thats coz he proves he is great Nazario couldnt coz he isnt on the level of the so called not real Ronaldo .. but CR7 is the best ronaldo... stop this cr7 hate week he might just come back with a 7 haul goal
So how is the article related to this comment?
nimimruyz
1
once more another professional footballer said it , R9 was so good. He won world cup and the COPA and was the leading goalscorer in both tournament. The man was a world star, please don't compare him with the club bullies not fair.
Satcdopyz
6
because the Kiddies like the other Ronaldo more. the Brasilien Ronaldo is the real Ronaldo. much better. in Germany his name is only Ronaldo but I remember da Lima too. Messi is the best of all time because his shot is full of prescission without big movement. Cristiano Ronaldo is just in good header and Shooter this fantastic goal instinct but he isn't a great footballer. he is maybe Just in the top ten in my list of all time greatest. Messi is the greatest zen Ronaldo, Maradona, Ronaldinho. Pelé Johan Cruyff where before my time (51y)
moabimpsyz
1
why calling ronaldo brazilian ronaldo why can't you use delima Ronaldo or has people forgotten his full name
dodacituyz
1
i agree the big Ronaldo was legend
NgeaWilson
1
Brazilian Goat R9 ✌RESPECT
ruzaenst
0
I think I got one
shivam1810
2
For me the top 3 players of all time are Messi CR7 maradona
GOAT-Seven
4
It is very normal thing to admire Ronaldo Nazario. He was indescribable in his prime. That is why he is the fenomeno (phenomenal).
wodbkpstuy
3
What's wrong with this CR7 fans, so people sud not praise Another footballer But old and present. Ruud boy have trained with Ronaldo de Lima, he Ave seen its quality he knows better dan you CR7 fan boys. Most of you started watching football 10 years back or less than. Wen past and present player comment on other legends u people start shouting hater hater. CR7 doesn't even care about any of u, d guy is making its money and establishing wisely with it.
ORUVAL3
0
Honestly Cr7 doesn’t make my top for goats
it's up to you...and your somewhat 'honestly'..I can't judge you for being honest to yourself...it's a shame!!
vundkosy
1
CR7 is bigger than the Rolando of Brazil
Sanctinolez
2
These are the world greatest players in order 1. Leo 2. Pele 3. Maradona 4. Gucho, Zidane, Cruyff, J.Best, Cristiano, G.Muller, Neymar
😂😂You're making a lot of sense you know 🤡
Jeyabceknr
1
just jealousy 😉😉😉😉😂
romanianguy
0
These are the world greatest players in order 1. Leo 2. Pele 3. Maradona 4. Gucho, Zidane, Cruyff, J.Best, Cristiano, G.Muller, Neymar
johndoebills
1
if not for injuries...he would ve been the greatest player not just at his time but of all time...the guy was simply sick...
Papyj
1
Every generation has its hero (heroes). This Goat talk all of the time is bull-s**t to me. El fenomeno was one of a kind!
RaiyanHasib
0
Legend 👏
SirBoris
1
That his hair style Of 2002 world cup all the kids wanted to shave it.... Fat 9 aka elfonemena Issa legend
badcemnrt
0
Nobody cares ...that was your era and it's up to you if you want to be imaginary or hateful...so be it...
Honestly Cr7 doesn’t make my top for goats
ORUVAL3
1
Nobody cares ...that was your era and it's up to you if you want to be imaginary or hateful...so be it...
kemimuz
1
no one is hating on Cristiano
yubbceiprz
0
We all know that Mr.
FootballRealist
1
Lol everyone hating CR7, they really want Terminator to prove them wrong once again. Lastly different types of players in different era’s
Sakbdemr
3
you are always jealous of Cr7
Ziyamopy
4
and cristiano ronaldo is much more professional lives a healthier life and have more ballon D'or and thats coz he proves he is great Nazario couldnt coz he isnt on the level of the so called not real Ronaldo .. but CR7 is the best ronaldo... stop this cr7 hate week he might just come back with a 7 haul goal