Real Madrid's Varane says it's difficult to criticise Ronaldo

Real Madrid football club's defender Raphael Varane on Thursday heaped praised upon his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, saying it is difficult to criticise him.

France international Varane made the remarks at a press conference at Real Madrid's stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu, after signing his contract extension with the top-flight Spanish side until 2022, reports Efe news agency.

"My opinion of him is still the same. If you like soccer even a little bit, you will have nothing but admiration for him," Varane said of the Portugal superstar.

"He is a fantastic player. What he has done and continues to do is phenomenal. You just admire a player with this quality. The numbers speak for him. He is so good that he makes a mark on soccer history and he is difficult to criticize," he added.

On the other hand, he said that retiring in the club, which he joined in 2011 at age of 19 years at the recommendation of coach Zinedine Zidane, "would be excellent. My story at Real Madrid and retiring here would be the most beautiful dream."

"I am here thanks to Zidane. He gives me a lot of advice in the day-to-day. He has been trying to share his experience and what he went through," he added.

--IANS

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