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Cristiano Ronaldo – Is he the World’s Greatest Footballer?

Portuguese winger winning over more and more fans

Cristiano Ronaldo’s form for Manchester United throughout this season has led many to claim that the Portuguese is the now the best player in the world.

Having played a starring role in both legs against Roma in United’s incredible 8-3 aggregate quarter-final win, including two goals in a 7-1 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Ronaldo has firmly proved himself on the European stage.

His team-mates are now are being joined by players and superstars from across the continent in hailing the former Sporting man as the finest player on the planet. So, is the hype now justified and does Portugal currently possess the world’s greatest player?

PortuGOAL wants to know what you think. Send us your views using the form at the bottom of the page. Meanwhile, for his ever increasing legion of fans, we bring you just a smattering of what they’re saying about Ronaldo at the moment:

Alex Ferguson (Manchester United manager):

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now. His form is fantastic. He is still young and, like all the young players in the squad, wants to win things. He has a long career ahead of him but to do it early would be fantastic.”

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United defender):

“Cristiano has certainly been the best player in Europe. No-one has produced the kind of football he has produced on a regular basis and there is no other player as exciting as him.”

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United forward):

“At the minute, Cristiano is by far the best player in the world. His performances have been unbelievable. He is winning games on his own this season. He has been unbelievable.”

Patrice Evra (Manchester United defender):

“Cristiano can do the same job as Maradona or Pele or Best. He can be like them. I have never seen anyone like him before in my life. But I am not surprised at what he does. You should see how hard he works in training. He is always the first one in and the last one out.”

Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United legend):

“He is getting better than we ever imagined. Ronaldo does things I have never seen anybody else do.”

Luis Figo (Former Portugal international):

“He has fantastic qualities and will continue to learn. Sooner or later the title of best player in the world will be his. He is ambitious and every year he wants to be better and better - even though he already is in the top bracket.”

Gael Clichy (Arsenal defender):

“He is the best player I’ve ever played against. He is quick, skilful and clever. I have a photograph at home of one of our challenges during the FA Cup semi-final in 2004, even if that afternoon United beat us.”

Kevin Doyle (Reading forward):

“Ronaldo’s been United’s best player both times against us but it doesn’t matter who they are playing against. He is always creating and scoring and I think he’ll run away with the Player of the Year award and deservedly so.”

Gary Lineker (Ex- England striker and leading pundit):

“Watching him this season I’ve witnessed acts of manipulation of a football that verge on the physically impossible. Ronaldo is still young at 22, but I believe that if he continues on this trajectory of development, he could become one of the greatest players ever.”

Roberto Mancini (Inter manager):

“He’s a great, really great player. When he was young, he already showed he would have a sensational future and I was convinced of his potential a long time ago. Now he’s confirming himself on a really high level.”

Rafaele Paladino (Juventus forward):

“If I must be sincere, I am a crazy fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. When I can, I watch Manchester United games on TV. The Portuguese is my role-model.”