Cristiano Ronaldo has selected his best team-mates from his illustrious career, including former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus players.
The Portuguese superstar has been fortunate to play with many big names over the years, but as a result he has had to leave quite a few big names out of his squad.
During an interview with goal arabia These were the 11 teammates Ronaldo chose last year to select his best eleven.
GK: Iker Casillas
Few will begrudge Ronaldo for choosing Casillas in goal, despite leaving out the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Buffon.
He played alongside the Spanish goalkeeper for six years at Real Madrid, and during their time together the pair won seven trophies. Without a doubt, he is one of the best goalkeepers of all time. It was a strong start for Ronaldo's eleven.
RB: Sergio Ramos
In their prime, Real Madrid were mental monsters on both ends of the pitch, and that was largely due to Ramos and Ronaldo.
The versatile Spanish defender always played his heart out and, much like Ronaldo, always had a knack for coming up with clutch moments.
To this day, Ramos is still as playful as ever.
Read: We are pleased to announce that Sergio Ramos has lost his marbles again
CB: Rio Ferdinand
Considering how Ferdinand still talks about Ronaldo, it's clear that the two still have a good relationship. They won nine trophies during their time together at Old Trafford.
“People never talk about Cristiano's courage,” Ferdinand told William Hill. “He was brave to take a risk, which was to come to another country, and he was brave to continue to be who he is. He hasn't really changed.
“He certainly adapted, but he didn’t change the core or fundamentals of himself.”
CB: Giorgio Chiellini
The Italian defender was the only Juventus star to be selected in Ronaldo's eleven. Although the Portuguese forward did not feature in the Champions League during his time in Turin, he did score a ton of goals.
This is a truly remarkable comeback as Ronaldo managed to score a total of 101 goals in just three seasons at the club.
LB: Marcelo
Marcelo had a great bond with CR7 both on and off the pitch. These two players were truly formidable during his time at Real Madrid, so it's no wonder he was selected for this XI.
When Marcelo left Real Madrid, Ronaldo said on social media: “More than a teammate, he is the brother that football has given me.” He was “one of the biggest stars I've had the pleasure of sharing a locker room with on and off the field.”
CM: Paul Scholes
Ronaldo spent his formative years playing alongside Scholes and the two players had great chemistry at the time.
“I think I've been very fortunate to have played with a lot of top-level players. Cristiano has to be at the top right now purely because of what he's done this season,” Scholes told reporters in 2008. .
“For him to score so many goals from his position is nothing short of amazing. It's not just his chance-making and the threat he poses to other teams.”
CM: Luka Modric
There appeared to be some tension after Modric beat Ronaldo to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or, but it appears all that was for nothing. There is no denying the genius of the Croatian midfielder.
“I have a good relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and we will continue to have a good relationship. Individual awards are important, but I'm not attached to them,” Modric told reporters after winning the Ballon d'Or. Ta.
“Cristiano sent me a message and congratulated me and told me that I was happy and that I deserved it too. He also said that he can't wait to meet me. ”
CM: Toni Kroos
Who else? To complete Ronaldo's midfield three, he chose Kroos, with whom he played for four years at Real Madrid.
The German midfielder is sometimes overlooked, perhaps due to the star-studded squad, but his importance to the team is undeniable.
RW: Gareth Bale
The Welsh winger broke Ronaldo's transfer record when he joined Real Madrid in 2013. With Bale on one side and Ronaldo on the other, Real Madrid were truly an unstoppable force.
Ronaldo also quickly found himself in Bale's defense after a slow start to life in Spain.
🗣”Please leave me alone”
When Cristiano Ronaldo defended Gareth Bale after his first months at Real Madrid! @GarethBale11 | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/YTlxiiLYcE
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 15, 2020
ST: Karim Benzema
The French forward has assisted Ronaldo in more goals than any other player. At times, Benzema even sacrificed his own achievements to allow his team-mates to improve.
Following Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018, Benzema became central to the team and was able to spearhead their Champions League-winning campaign in 2021-22.
LW: Wayne Rooney
Perhaps the most surprising pick in Ronaldo's eleven is Rooney. Lately, the two sides seem to disagree. Both fighters have been attacking each other for years, but that's probably all for naught now.
Although the two didn't always get along, there's no denying how close Rooney and Ronaldo were on the football pitch.
Both players were key figures in the 2008 Champions League win, with Rooney being selfish enough to sometimes play out of position to accommodate the Portuguese star. At their best, they were unstoppable.
Read next: Top 10 scorers in world football in 2023-24: Ronaldo surpasses Mbappe and Kane…
TAKE THE QUIZ: Can you name Madrid's 'non-CR7' top scorer every season since 2000?
