Former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez spoke about the traits he and Cristiano Ronaldo had in common.
Hugo Sanchez is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s greatest football players. The striker had a wonderful career, winning five La Liga’s and one UEFA Cup. In fact, his best years were spent in Madrid, where he played for both Atletico and Real. With the Merengues, Sanchez scored a total of 208 times on just 282 appearances.
As usual, greatness recognizes greatness. Hugo Sanchez spoke to AS about Ronaldo’s important role at Real Madrid and how Zidane’s squad still hasn’t been able to replace him.
“My first thought is that it’s very hard to have a number 9 at the level of Real Madrid’s necessities. At Madrid you can’t have just any ‘9’ and we’re being that. Since Cristiano left, Benzema has been trying to cover that role. Before he was a 9 and 1/2 or a 10 and Cristiano was a 9 disguised as a 7.
“The hardest thing to obtain in football is a goal scorer. They are the most expensive players and it’s not like it used to be. We don’t have many goal scorers that will guarantee that many goals. Lewandowski, Kane… There aren’t many more.”
There have been many strikers at Madrid, but only one stands out.
Moreover, the Mexican legend confessed that the player he related the most with at Real Madrid was Cristiano Ronaldo himself.
“The one [striker] with whom I relate the most is Cristiano. He reminded me of myself, with his first-touch shots, his movements, his obsession with goal-scoring, the voracity… He was like me. If he could score four instead of three, it was better. I was the same, if I had five opportunities I had to score all of them.”
Additionally, Sanchez confessed he wished the Juventus forward was still at Real Madrid, as things could’ve been very different.
“Cristiano was a voracious player, a killer. What a mistake to let him slip away. I would’ve liked it if he had stayed longer at Real Madrid. With his goals, the club could’ve won more titles.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Cristiano Ronaldo
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
