SAEDNEWS: Former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken about training with Ronaldo Nazario, saying injuries and lifestyle issues prevented the Brazilian star from achieving even greater success.
According to SaedNews: Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Dutch striker of Real Madrid, has recalled his experience training alongside Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario.
Van Nistelrooy said Ronaldo had already suffered serious knee injuries and significant weight gain when they played together, but his ability during small-sided training matches was still astonishing. “I just thought, my God,” he said, explaining that he wondered how extraordinary Ronaldo must have been at his best if he could perform such incredible moves in that condition.
The former Real Madrid forward described Ronaldo’s ability as the greatest footballing skill he had ever witnessed in his life.
Van Nistelrooy also expressed regret over Ronaldo’s repeated injuries and lack of a fully professional lifestyle, saying that without those setbacks, the Brazilian striker could have won around seven or eight Ballon d’Or awards.
He added that if Ronaldo’s approach to life had been different, it would have been impossible to imagine how much more impressive he could have become.
Ronaldo Nazario, who overcame two severe cruciate ligament injuries to win the Ballon d’Or twice and lift the World Cup twice, is regarded by many experts and former teammates as one of the most complete strikers in football history.
