A Brazil national team star and FC Barcelona legend has revealed that Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent he has ever faced, claiming that the Portuguese marksman wouldn't let him breathe.
Ronaldo is now in the twilight of his glittering career, which has seen him win five Ballon d'Or awards and five UEFA Champions League trophies, among many of his club and individual honours.
He has also managed to be one half of what is arguably the greatest rivalry in football, as he has dominated the sport alongside Lionel Messi for well over a decade.
Read: 'Why Ronaldo is not in Man Utd's best starting XIs'
When asked about who is the toughest opponent he has ever come up against, Brazilian defender Dani Alves revealed that the 37-year-old made his life very difficult as he was relentless.
"Cristiano Ronaldo. This b*** doesn't let you breathe for a second," the 39-year-old said, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
"I didn't do too badly, but it's hard. He's a scoring machine."
The veteran fullback also admitted that although Selecao legend Pele is hailed as the greatest footballer of all time by many, especially in his native, Paris Saint-Germain attacker Messi is the best to have ever played the sport.
"I stay with Pelé for one reason: football has changed. Messi changed a generation," Alves added.
Read: Messi surpasses Ronaldo, sets new UCL records
"All those people who are more than football, I'm going to stay with them. And besides, I'm Brazilian. For me, Pelé should not enter in that debate.
"If you ask me, who is the best player in history? I would say Messi. Pelé doesn't fit in there,"
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