Ozil said Cristiano Ronaldo is among the greatest footballers in history

Arsenal and German international forward Mesut Ozil has proclaimed Cristiano Ronaldo as "one of the greatest footballers in history."

Ozil played alongside the Portuguese star for three seasons at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and was eager to laud his former teammate for being the consummate professional.

Having signed a new five-year deal with Madrid on Monday, which will see Ronaldo extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu till 2021, Ozil reckons the three-time Ballon d'Or winner is worth the hype.

"I really enjoyed playing with him because he made me better on the pitch," the German told Arsenal Media.

"He's a good guy and a good friend of mine. Of course I gave my assists, a lot to him, and he knows, but I really enjoyed playing with him because it was easy.

"He doesn't need a lot of chances, even if I give him two assists, he scored two. He's a very amazing player, one of the greatest footballers in history."

And while there has been some criticism of Ronaldo's early season form with the Spanish giants, Ozil was quick to bring up Ronaldo's work ethic that has been a platform for his own success in London.

"I never saw a guy like him, he works really hard. He's the first guy to get in in the dressing room and the last guy maybe to go to his house," he added.

"He's very professional, always he wants to fight, even in the training games. If you see a player like this over there, of course you are looking what he does."


source : ESPN FC