Former Ballon d’Or Winner Expains Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is the ‘Greatest Footballer’ of All Time

• Cristiano Ronaldo has received his flowers from one of his former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric
• Modric played with the now Al-Nassr captain for a period of six seasons, spanning from 2012 to 2018
• The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner once called Ronaldo the "best"

Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the 'greatest footballer' of all time.

Having spent six highly successful seasons alongside Ronaldo, the seasoned midfielder chose his former Los Blancos teammate as the most exceptional player ever to grace the sport.

Despite edging out the Portuguese phenomenon for the 2018 Ballon d'Or award, the 38-year-old maintains that Ronaldo deserves the distinction of being the "best."

Ronaldo, who shares the title of the GOAT with his long-time rival Lionel Messi, dominated the spotlight for almost two decades, sharing an impressive 12 Ballon d'Ors between them, per Sporting News.

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While the legendary duo often sparks debates among fans, pundits, and even professional footballers, Modric is resolute in his belief that the Al-Nassr star deserves the esteemed recognition.

"I think I will go with Cristiano Ronaldo," the Croat answered as per Madridismo when quizzed about who the best player is.

Elaborating on his choice of selecting Cristiano as the best, Modric explained: "Well, his hunger to win and also his work ethic. Football is also a mental game, and when you've right mentality like Cristiano in the team, you already win 50% match for the team even before it starts."

"He has won everything, so maybe we think he can relax, but no, he just keeps on working for more and more and more and puts demand on the team as well so we improve together," he added.

The 2018 World Cup finalist even described his former teammate as the ultimate role model.

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"I think he's the perfect role model for every youngster out there because he shows that with hard work and right mentality, you can win everything."

Ronaldo ends GOAT debate with Messi

Previously, Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo potentially delivered one of the most crucial press conferences in history, sharing his perspective on the longstanding rivalry between himself and Lionel Messi.

The never-ending and intense debate regarding who is the greatest of all time between the two football legends might seemingly persist, but Ronaldo's remarks during Portugal's press conference could potentially settle it.