Roy Keane describes ‘genius’ Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘most intelligent player’ he’s ever seen as he lauds the Portugal superstar for how he has looked after himself and his ability to get goals
- Roy Keane has described Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘genius’
- Ronaldo played with Roy Keane at Manchester United from 2003 to 2006
- Keane has praised Ronaldo as the ‘most intelligent player’ he’s ever seen
Roy Keane has thrown huge praise in the direction of former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as the ‘most intelligent player’ he’s ever seen.
Ronaldo played with Keane at Old Trafford from 2003 to 2006 before the Irishman’s departure from the club, and has since gone on to have a legendary career in the sport.
Now at the age of 36, Ronaldo is still playing at the highest level and seen as one of the best players in world football.
Roy Keane has praised Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘most intelligent player’ he’s ever seen
Keane played with Ronaldo at Manchester United from 2003 to 2006 before he left the club
Ahead of Portugal’s last-16 clash with Belgium at Euro 2020, Keane took the time to praise his former team-mate.
He told ITV: ‘He’s the most intelligent player I have seen in my life. Obviously I’m not going back to 50s and 60s but the guy loves scoring goals.
‘His intelligence is amazing, how he plays the game, he doesn’t get involved in build-up player but he’s got that trickery and arrogance which you need from the great players.
‘The brain, the intelligence of the man, how he’s done it in different countries, how he’s looked after himself off the pitch as well.
‘I can’t praise the man enough, he’s an absolute genius, I love watching him. Just the brain he’s got, the cleverest player ever.’
Keane’s co-pundit and former midfield rival Patrick Vieira agreed with his comments.
The 1998 World Cup winner said: ‘He’s shown it at the highest competition and his desire to compete, he always wants more and to score the goals.
Keane praised the way Ronaldo has kept himself at the top of the game – now at the age of 36
‘And I think to have this sort of desire year after year, week after week that is why he’s the best player in the world. The determination to score the goals. I don’t know any other players who have this hunger to get into the box to score goals.’
Keane joked in response to Vieira: ‘The money the guy’s made in football he’s probably made 6, 7, £800 million probably the same as you Patrick. He’s still showing that hunger. Scoring a goal is the hardest thing in football. He does it for fun.’
Over his career, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or trophies, and won numerous league titles and Champions League winner medals with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
The Portuguese superstar has worked hard to keep himself at the top of the game, by working just as hard off the pitch as he does on it.
Ronaldo equalled the record for most international goals in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with France
Vieira said: ‘He’s the most competitive player I know. What I’m amazed at by him is he will train every single day like he plays at the weekend.
‘From Monday to Saturday how he looks after himself on the training field. I think this is why this guy is a really good example for every single young person who wants to be a player.’
ITV pundit Ian Wright reiterated Vieira’s comments by adding: ‘Ronaldo, where he’s come from and worked on his body, his ability and faith and belief in himself, everything he gets right now he deserves.
‘Young players who are aiming to be the greatest players in the world and get the material things that come with it, should watch Ronaldo and how he acts’
