Ancelotti hails Ronaldo amid party furore
Cristiano Ronaldo's professionalism has been praised by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti amid the furore surrounding the forward's 30th birthday party.
Ronaldo attended a gathering to celebrate his birthday hours after playing in Real's 4-0 thrashing at fierce rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday, and a number of the club's fans expressed their displeasure at training on Monday.
Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, jumped to his client's defence, as did ex-Real and Portugal captain Luis Figo.
And now Ancelotti has weighed in to the debate, challenging anyone to question the attitude of Ronaldo.
"I should write a book, or at least, a long chapter on him," he told A Bola. "Cristiano is a player with an efficiency that is unique in today's football.
"He has an extraordinary talent and he enjoys it with such a professionalism and seriousness that is difficult to find in a player of that level.
"In the changing room he is the leader. He speaks a lot to his team-mates, especially to the young ones.
"He is a very important figure, just like Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas or Marcelo.
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"If he continues to feel the passion that he has for what he does, he can continue until who knows when, thanks to his great physique and unique genetics."