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.

Inside Goal.Com

“The Dreaded Day” – A Tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson
Today marks the final matchday of Alex Ferguson's career as a manager. Brendon Netto pays tribute to the Manchester United legend with a short lyric..
A tribute to Liverpool's most 'Carra'cteristic hero
With the Reds' No. 23 set to play his final professional game against QPR this evening, Goal ponders over his many facets that Scousers will cherish in the years to come...
Player Ratings: Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Brest
Goal.com takes a closer look at the men involved in PSG's last home game of the season, with David Beckham taking all the focus as he wore the captain's armband
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel