French legend Zinedine Zidane has described Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘monstrous’ following his performances for club and country this year.
The 28 year-old was instrumental in assuring Portugal’s place in next years World Cup, with four goals in a two-legged affair with Sweden.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has shown what he can do for Portugal and Real Madrid,” Zidane told reporters in Brazil ahead of the World Cup 2014 group stage draw.
“He doesn’t need to talk much. Much has been said of him, but what he does on the pitch is monstrous. The way he won the match against Sweden, when many people thought Portugal would not qualify… he carried the team on his back.”
Zidane is into his first season as Real Madrid’s assistant coach having won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga title, Copa del Rey and UEFA Super Cup with Los Blancos.
“He has shown that he is an excellent player. I’m proud to stand beside him [at Madrid], to see him in training, participating in everything,” he continued.
“He’s a great professional, arriving an hour before training. What he has done on the pitch is the result of his hard work. He’s an example and really carries and drives the team.”
Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998 and hopes that les Bleus find themselves pitted against the best of nations when the eight groups are allocated on Friday.
“I would love it if France could get put in a difficult group,” he added. “I want us to play against the best and achieve something more. I’m not afraid for us to tackle tough teams.”
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
