Queiroz: Ronaldo was destined to become the Michael Jordan of football

The former Manchester United assistant has stressed that the attacker's success does not surprise him and expects the Madrid man to make a big impact at the World Cup

Former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo was destined to become one of the best players in the history of the game from a young age.

Queiroz - who is now Iran national team coach - coached Ronaldo during his time in charge of Portugal between 2008 and 2010 and also worked with the prolific attacker during his two spells as assistant manager to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before his compatriot left for Real in 2009.

The 60-year-old has now stressed that he had no doubt that the forward would establish himself as a modern-day great - even likening him to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who is widely considered to be the best basketball player in history.

"Ronaldo is the most complete player I have ever coached in my life. In terms of fitness, ability, technical, tactical," Queiroz said.

"One day at United, I don't remember when, I said he would be the Michael Jordan of football.

"I can see in the last two years Cristiano growing up a lot, but he had everything. He had a little bit of Brazil legend Ronaldo, Figo - the speed, heading. He's fantastic at shooting with both feet, free-kicks, dribbling, passing."

Queiroz then went on to discuss the 2014 World Cup and he expects Ronaldo, who has scored 29 goals in 23 appearances for Real this season, to have a major impact in Brazil.

"I think he is more mature now, more experienced. Four years in a player's career is a lot and it can make a huge difference.

"I think this will be his third appearance in terms of World Cup participation, so he will be able to manage the performance much easier."

Portugal will have to deal with Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G.

Culled from Goal