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‘Ronaldo is the greatest’ – Zidane’s former assistant hails CR7

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Despite the many famous players Bettoni has helped coach, the Portuguese icon has always stood out.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time, according to Zinedine Zidane’s former Real Madrid assistant coach David Bettoni.

The 50-year-old worked under Zidane during his French compatriot’s spells in charge of Real Madrid’s Castilla and first-team squads between 2014 and 2021.

The pair had the rare privilege of coaching a star-studded line-up that won the Champions League three times in a row and had Ronaldo leading the way until his departure in 2018 – an experience Bettoni clearly relished.

‘For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest’

Now, speaking in the VIP Lounge set on beIN Sports earlier this week, the Frenchman opened up on the player he rates as the best he’s ever seen.

“For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest. The numbers and his longevity speak for him,” said Bettoni.

“I worked with him on a human level. He has a lot of heart, but he is also very demanding on a daily basis.”

He added: “Yes, Cristiano is taller than Zidane (laughs). The team was a pleasure.”

Ronaldo managed 112 goals and 29 assists under Zidane at Real Madrid.

The forward could return to action for current side Manchester United on Monday evening in an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Aston Villa.

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