Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez: I'm sad, Cristiano Ronaldo was still the best

Former Real Madrid striker Hugo Sanchez has lamented the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo, who he believes was still the world's best player.

The transfer saga surrounding the Portugal international came to an end this week after the forward sealed a move to Juventus.

On his 60th birthday, Sanchez appeared on Radio MARCA to discuss the biggest transfer deal of the summer.

"As a Madrid fan, I feel sad because you want those players to stay, but he decided to leave at the top, despite his contract," the Mexican told Vicente Ortega.

"He will be missed because he's a symbolic player.

"He's a legend and what he did at Real Madrid will long be remembered, just like Alfredo Di Stefano, Emilio Butragueno, Juanito and myself.

"The numbers speak for themselves.

"Real Madrid always want to have the best and Ronaldo was still the best so both lose out."

Naturally thoughts now turn to who will replace Ronaldo at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and Sanchez believes that Florentino Perez will do his utmost to recruit a big signing.

"Real Madrid will continue to sign the best players and Florentino Perez will already be thinking about how to bridge the gap," he added.

"They tried to keep him and it will be tough to replicate the goals he delivered year after year.

"He guaranteed that steady supply of goals and I don't think that one single player can fill that void.

"Neymar could, as he has the quality, but he isn't a goalscorer, although for image, leadership and prestige he would be good.

"Otherwise, it could be Kylian Mbappe or Eden Hazard, both are talented.

"I think in a few more years, Mbappe will reach the level of Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi."