Former Chelsea Star: 'It Is Dangerous to Criticise Cristiano Ronaldo'

• Diego Costa believes Cristiano Ronaldo should not be criticised
• He explained criticism makes the Portuguese star 'dangerous'
• Costa's assertion likely stems from his admiration for Ronaldo

Diego Costa, a former Chelsea and Spain striker, has shared his perspective on why criticising Cristiano Ronaldo is not a good idea.

Regarded as one of the most feared centre-forwards in modern football, Costa combined his aggressive demeanour with a keen eye for goal, making him a constant threat to his opponents.

Having spent several seasons on loan, playing in the shadow of Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao, Costa finally emerged in the 2011/12 season and flourished as a prolific goal-scorer.

He played a vital role in Atletico Madrid's triumph in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Subsequently, Costa joined Chelsea where he secured three trophies, including two Premier League titles, before returning to Atleti where he added the Europa League and another Super Cup to his accolades.

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Although his tenure with the Spanish national team was relatively short, he is fondly remembered for his brace against Portugal in La Roja's 2018 World Cup opener, a game in which Ronaldo netted a hat-trick including a dramatic last-gasp free kick, as One Football reports.

Costa: 'Ronaldo thrives on criticism'

Despite recognising Ronaldo's exceptional abilities and effectiveness, the 34-year-old striker once expressed his belief that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was beyond reproach and even wished he could be more like him.

Costa asserted that criticism only serves to bring out the best in the Portuguese veteran, implying that it would be preferable for opposing fans to refrain from targeting him and instead 'leave him alone'.

"I don't know what goes through the mind of any person who criticises Cristiano Ronaldo. Criticise him and look what happens... It's better to leave him alone," he said as quoted by CristianoXtra on Twitter.

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Both Costa and Ronaldo have entered the latter stages of their careers, with the latter currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Is Ronaldo Serie A's messiah?

Meanwhile, the veteran has taken on the moniker of the 'Messiah' as he confidently attributed himself to be the driving force behind the revival of the 'ailing' Italian top flight, Sports Brief reported.

During his three seasons Juventus from 2018 to 2021, Ronaldo believes his presence in Serie A was crucial in elevating the league's status, which had been lagging behind Europe's top divisions.

Ronaldo's 5 most controversial comments

Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo's most controversial comments as he made headlines again with a bold comparison of Major League Soccer to the Saudi Professional League.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to controversial statements and was at at again recently, appearing to take a harsh dig at his long-time Argentine arch-rival, Lionel Messi.