Buffon: It seems like Ronaldo was created in a lab
Gianluigi Buffon named Brazilian Ronaldo as the toughest striker he has faced during his long career for Parma, Juventus and Italy.
Juventus goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon feels like Ronaldo was "created in a lab" as he lauded the Brazilian icon.
Before Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo battled it out with Barcelona foe Lionel Messi for domestic and international supremacy, his namesake wowed the football world.
Ronaldo dominated during his illustrious career, winning titles with PSV, Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid, while he helped Brazil to two World Cup trophies in 1994 and 2002 as he won three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and two Ballons d'Or.
Asked which strikers caused him the most problems, veteran Italy international Buffon heaped praise on the 40-year-old.
"The striker who caused me all kinds [of trouble] was Ronaldo, the Brazilian one," Buffon, 39, told Marca.
"He was the perfect player, as he had power, speed, intuition technical skills and quickness. He was a jaw-dropping player.
"It seemed like he was created in a lab."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Ronaldo earned 98 caps for Brazil following his debut in 1994, scoring 62 goals – only second to all-time leader Pele.
'Will Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar extend their contracts in Saudi Arabia? We play a facilitating job, but it’s down to the players and the clubs to decide' Saudi Pro League chief reveals how talks will work for out-of-contract duo
Nations League: Who are the ITV commentators and pundits for England vs Republic of Ireland?