Why Cristiano Ronaldo 'stands out' above Lionel Messi as goal threat as legendary goalkeeper reveals what makes Portuguese GOAT 'incredibly difficult' to face

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo remains in the process of chasing down 1,000 career goals. He is now 40 years of age, but is showing no sign of slowing down while remaining a prolific presence for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and his country.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is also doing the business in MLS for Inter Miami and remains the most decorated player of all-time. There is no sign of him hanging his boots up any time soon either.

Weidenfeller, who spent 16 years on the books of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, has lined up against some of the most fearsome forwards to have ever played the game. The ex-Germany international has been discussing the challenges he faced between the sticks.

Asked by The Hindu to pick out his toughest opponent, Weidenfeller said: "Cristiano Ronaldo was incredibly difficult to read because of his relentless work ethic and confidence. I played against him many times, at Real Madrid and later at Juventus.

"I also faced Robert Lewandowski, who was my team-mate at Dortmund before he moved to Bayern Munich. He continues to play exceptionally well, recently winning a title with Barcelona.

"I’ve played against many strong strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and others. But Ronaldo stands out. He’s always the first in the dressing room, working hard in the gym and on the pitch, and the last to leave. His dedication has kept him at the top for so long, and now he’s continuing his career in Saudi Arabia."

Ronaldo is widely considered to be the greatest goalscorer that the world has ever seen, and boasts the numbers to back up that argument. He is expected to agree a contract extension that keeps him in the Middle East for at least another 12 months.