Former Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil has said Cristiano Ronaldo is a ‘genius’.
The two played together for three years at the Santiago Bernabeu before Ozil made the switch to Premier League side Arsenal last summer, where he won the FA Cup in his first season.
Last week, Ronaldo and Ozil faced each other at the World Cup, when Germany took on Portugal. And while Ozil enjoyed the experience, it was a nightmare for the Portuguese, who lost 4-0. Los Blancos defender Pepe was sent off, Fabio Coentrao pulled up injured and will miss the rest of the tournament, and Ronaldo wasn’t fully fit.
But speaking to the Times of India, Ozil said despite the result, Ronaldo remains one of the greatest players in the game, and called his former team mate a ‘genius’.
Ozil said: “Cristiano Ronaldo had given his all for Real Madrid. From my experiences in training sessions with him, I know he is truly a genius. To be able to contain him the way we did was commendable for our defence.”
Germany held on to top spot of Group G last night with a 2-2 draw against Ghana. Ronaldo should take his place in the starting 11 against USA today as Portugal fight to stay in the tournament.
