Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the toughest opponent he has ever faced as a footballer.
In an interview with Coach Mag, the former Manchester United player said that former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is the toughest player he ever played against.
It would be recalled that both players played against each other on several occasions during Ronaldo’s six-year spell with United.
On several occasions, they also played against each other while on international duty with Portugal and
Despite played against numerous defenders in La Liga, the Champions League and on the international stage, Ronaldo still rates Cole highly.
He said: “Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe.
“He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
When asked about the player he admired most, the Portuguese player stated, “There is a big mutual respect between myself and Lionel Messi though the media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don’t.
“It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides.”
