Rafael van der Vaart claims he had 'better technique' than Cristiano Ronaldo as ex-Real Madrid star lifts lid on what really made CR7 'special'

Van der Vaart shared the pitch with Ronaldo during the 2009-10 season at Real Madrid, following the Portuguese star’s record-breaking £80 million move from Manchester United. Although Ronaldo would go on to become Los Blancos' all-time leading goal scorer, with 450 strikes in 438 matches, Van der Vaart believes his own technique was sharper in certain aspects.

When asked about the best players he played alongside, Van der Vaart had no hesitation in naming Ronaldo, citing his unmatched determination and commitment to improvement.

"Of course, I have to mention Cristiano Ronaldo because I spent a year playing with him at Real Madrid," Van der Vaart told talkSPORT.

When asked whether mental strength was the key factor that separated Ronaldo from other footballers, Van der Vaart made a bold claim about his own abilities.

He said: “Absolutely, because if you ask me who had the better technique, me or Ronaldo, I would say myself in terms of first touch and passing. But he was so fit and so focused on scoring goals and winning things. I just went on the pitch and when it was 3-3 or 4-4, I preferred that to a 1-0 win. His way of thinking is the biggest difference.”

Van der Vaart says Ronaldo always remained laser-focused on pushing his limits and would always work towards the next goal.

"You see from really close how special he is, how much effort he puts in every day," he added.

"I was not not a player like that. I liked to go out, enjoy life. But he was in the gym training two or three times a day, recovering, and then scoring goals. For me, I have a son who is 18 and plays for Ajax under 19s and I always give Ronaldo as an example because he was never satisfied.

"When I scored one goal after ten minutes I thought okay, we’ve had a good game and I can just enjoy it now. He was not (satisfied). When he scored three he wanted four so that was a big quality – and he’s still doing it at his age."

Even at 40, Ronaldo remains as prolific as ever and has scored 25 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr this season. Although Ronaldo was rested during Al-Nassr’s recent 0-0 draw with Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League due to muscle fatigue, he is expected to return to action on March 7, when Stefano Pioli's side face Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.