By David Kappel|
A famous Ballon d’Or winner has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is not the best player in the world, and explained how he believes the Juventus superstar still reached the top anyway.
George Weah, the only African player to have lifted the Golden Ball to date, recently spoke about the Portuguese forward, who became football’s all-time record goalscorer this week.
“Ronaldo is also testimony to how combining hard work and passion can bring unexpected results,” the Liberian legend told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is not the best in the world, but he trained so much to become the best. I am a fan of Ronaldo because he remained humble and he earned everything he achieved.
“He fought to get where he is now.”
Check out some images of Ronaldo lifting the 33rd trophy of his career this week
Weah, who starred for AC Milan between 1995 and 2000, also had some words of praise for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is helping the Rossoneri challenge for the Serie A title this season.
“Ibra is strong and confident, but there is more behind this,” he added.
“Milan signed him because he can be every useful for young players. He is an example and an inspiration for them.
“He is always focused and he gives everything for his passion. If you work hard and don’t lose your passion, then age is just a number.
“Think about Pietro Vierchowood, Franco Baresi or Paolo Maldini, they all played at high level until almost 40 years of age.”
Ibrahimovic has scored 12 goals in just eight Serie A appearances so far in this campaign, while Ronaldo leads the scoring charts in Italy with 15 strikes in 14 league matches.
