Cristiano Ronaldo names his football idols; Jokes he's won more than both

Cristiano Ronaldo named Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo as his footballing idols, but joked he's won more trophies than them both.

Ronaldinho and Ronaldo are two of the greatest players of all time and were a part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup.

However, the Manchester United star believes his personal accolades have put him in a higher echelon than the duo. Speaking to ESPN Brasil, the 38-year-old said, "I don’t like comparisons.

"I prefer to say that the two [Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho Gaúcho] left their legacy, their history. I can say, by facts, that I won more individual titles than they did, but both won World Cups.

“I sympathize a lot with them. I grew up watching them both play. Saying who is the best, who is second, is not the most important thing. I prefer to say that they are idols and left a beautiful history in football.”

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last summer, but has seen his side struggle for consistency this season, with the Red Devils currently seventh on the Premier League table. And the Portuguese, who has scored 14 goals across all competitions until now, called on his teammates to step up for the second half of the season.

He said: "I say we have a long way to improve because, for me, the most important thing is the mentality. To look at yourself and say, 'I can do better'.

"For you to be professional, help the team, the right mentality, self-taught and positive. All these details depend on you, not the coaches, the fans or the press. If you are proud of yourself and you have dignity, you have to do it much more."

He added: "If I give you advice, even if you are younger than me, if you don’t implant that during your daily life, it will be difficult. I will be the No 1 to help. But if you don’t want my help, do your job, look for yourself, do your best to help the team."

United are back in action on Saturday evening as they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League.