The Portuguese star netted three times against Atletico to seal a comeback for the ages in the Champions League round of 16
Rio Ferdinand has called Cristiano Ronaldo a "living football god" after the Juventus man netted a sensational hat-trick against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Ferdinand couldn't help but gush over the 34-year-old's performance.
"He is a living football god, it is ridiculous what he is doing," Ferdinand said.
"In the Champions League he has every record you could imagine. He's the joint-hat-trick man with Messi.
"The first goal is like Duncan Ferguson in his prime, attacking the ball, leaving the full-back in a heap and saying: 'This is me'. That is called desire.
"This is against an Atletico Madrid team which is known for having an unbelievable defence.
"And they've gone and scored three goals and he's got a hat-trick."
Ronaldo had experienced a quiet Champions League campaign before Tuesday night, having scored just once in six total appearances.
Thiago_
146
The GAOT of knock out stages 🔥🔥7️⃣
danny7_ida
128
Ronaldo is the god of football without a doubt
KennPhaculty
101
I think I hve got a new profession for simeone, 😂
dettaboss4l
92
Messi's talent is second to none but you what I love with Ronaldo is his mentality, the drive to win no matter the odds, I actually doubted him and Juventus to qualify because Atletico Madrid has one of the best (if not the best) defenses in the world Hoping for a Barca vs Juventus final
veedu1
86
you are in trouble . call cr7 ( in football) the 100m performance. I think this is something more worthy from cr7 .. a hat trick in such situation with going to the next round . incredible performance.. salute = like
Viubdkopt
68
Let's see how they will steal the ballon d'or away from him this time, I bet they are looking for another modric to swap his crown from him this time but they won't see any and will be ashamed