Barcelona Coach Xavi Has High Praise for Portugal Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

• Cristiano Ronaldo is currently a free agent but is still turning heads with his performances for Portugal
• Barcelona and Ronaldo were fierce rivals during the Portuguese superstar's La Liga stint
• Xavi has huge respect for Ronaldo and believes that he is still among the best players in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo may have played for Barcelona’s rivals, Real Madrid, but he still has fans at the Blaugrana.

Barcelona legend and current manager, Xavi, still rates the player very highly.

Ronaldo has been in the headlines of late for all the wrong reasons. The player first caused a stir after his interview with Piers Morgan, which led to his exit from Manchester United.

He is now making headlines for trying to claim Bruno Fernandes’ goal as his own.

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Despite the bad publicity, Ronaldo also made history by becoming the first man to score in five different World Cups, as he scored a penalty against Ghana. His performances for Portugal have reminded many that he is still at the top of his game, something Xavi hasn’t forgotten, Sportskeeda reported.

"Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be among the five best players on the planet," he said.

Looking for a new club

Despite the praise from Xavi, it’s unlikely that Barcelona would move for the free agent. The Blaugrana have a stacked squad and can't make any more signings due to La Liga's Financial Fair Play rules.

Ronaldo was released by Manchester United following his interview with Morgan and is yet to sign for a new club. Many big-name European sides are unwilling to sign the attacker.

A new start in Saudi Arabia?

The Daily Mail has now reported that Ronaldo is close to agreeing on a deal with the Saudi side, Al Nassr. Ronaldo is focusing on the World Cup and insisting that nothing has been signed, but sources claim that the deal is as good as done.

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Cristiano Ronaldo set to become highest-paid athlete in the world ahead of the multi-million Saudi move

Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to become the world's highest-paid athlete ahead of his proposed sensational transfer to Saudi.

The veteran striker is currently on international duty with Portugal in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup, Sports Brief earlier reported.

However, while his focus is on the global football showpiece, he is understood to be shopping for a new club to join during the upcoming transfer window.

Ten Hag identifies Ronaldo replacements

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United manager Erik ten Hag has commenced plans to find a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ten Hag is said to have shortlisted PSV Eindhoven ace Cody Gakpo and Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao as possible replacements for the Portuguese star.

United terminated Ronaldo's contract earlier last week with a few months left on the striker's contract.