Edwin van der Sar has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic is what lead to him to greater success than his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney.

"They both worked incredibly hard on the pitch, but Cristiano took it up a level," he said.

"Off the field, Ronaldo was also focusing on everything extensively, such as resting up properly and strengthening his body.

"After training sessions he would often work on his free-kicks and then come to me and say: "Edwin, can you go in goal?"

"I'd say I was old so he would be better off using one of the youth-team keepers, but he would insist I went in goal as he wanted to score past me.

"I would tease him a lot and say things like: "You won't score against me, Ronnie, you know it. Ask the reserve goalie, that's better for your confidence.

"He'd get agitated and reply: "No, no. You've got to go in goal!"