Former Portugal boss Scolari claims Ronaldo NOT the best player he ever coached

Luiz Felipe Scolari has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was not the best player he has ever coached.

The legendary coach, 75, has had 31 stints at 22 different teams in a managerial career dating back to 1982 - without a year off.

Scolari has won 31 trophies in that time, taking the reins at the likes of Brazil, Portugal, Chelsea, and Palmeiras.

The icon has managed players such as Ronaldo Nazario, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, and Salomon Kalou.

And for Scolari, who managed Portugal from 2004 to 2008, Ronaldo is not the cream of the crop.

'When I coached him in the national team, it was clear that he had a lot of quality. We were very successful in our project and he was an important player in that,' Scolari told Arabic outlet winwin, via A Bola.

'I can't say that Cristiano is the best player I've ever coached because I worked with many special players who still play today.

'Of course, Cristiano belongs to this elite class, he was another of the excellent players I coached.'

So, who trumps Ronaldo? Scolari has never managed Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona, both of whom he has lamented not tutoring. And there is no Pele on his CV.

Frustratingly, he remained tight-lipped about who he considers to be the best he has ever coached. Instead, he kept praising Ronaldo.

'Cristiano was different in the way he prepared, unlike many players who don't take advantage of every day to improve,' Scolari added.

'He is different, he prepares well at any time and in any circumstances in a way that I have never seen another footballer do.'

Ronaldo certainly is different.

He will compete in his sixth European Championship provided he plays against Czechia for Portugal tonight.

Luka Modric has equalled his current record of five Euros tournaments but Ronaldo can move back in front with an appearance in this edition. He remains one of Portugal's key players.

Jose Mourinho revealed that he is one of the three players he will watch with 'sadness' in this edition, believing it is Ronaldo's swansong at the Euros.