Gullit: People criticise Cristiano Ronaldo because they are jealous

29-Oct-2012 6:25:00 PM

The former Netherlands star has spoken of his admiration for the Portugal international, and believes people envy the attacker because of his looks

Ruud Gullit thinks that people criticise Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo because they are jealous of him.

The Portugal international often gets a hostile reception at away games, while has has also been targeted by a number of opponents throughout his career.

Gullit, however, has nothing but praise for the 27-year-old and compared his situation to another former Manchester United star.

"I think Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenon. The same thing happens to him as it did to [David] Beckham; people criticise them because they are envious that they’re very good-looking," Gullit said to ESPN.

"For me, he's the ideal player. He's fast, tall, is good with his head, is technically good, shoots penalties, takes good free kicks and he’s a leader.

"I think that Real Madrid love having Cristiano Ronaldo as a player."

Ronaldo has netted 18 goals in 14 appearances for Real Madrid so far this term.