Following a week of criticism, the icon responded in style by scoring twice and making history in Houston, where he became the first male player to score in six different World Cups.
The Italian praised Portugal’s overall quality and highlighted Ronaldo’s unique threat in the penalty area, noting how the team is built to maximise his strengths.
"I told the players that if we give Cristiano Ronaldo a centimetre, we're dead,” Cannavaro told media.
“That happened and he scored two goals. Portugal players play for him and he is at a stage where he is very intelligent moving inside the box.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old and still has so much hunger to play. He is a man who loves to play football.
“He is already in the history of football, he will be eternal and, even so, he continues to play this way. I spoke to him and told him to play on a few more years. To enjoy football.
“Just look at him. He is totally fit, he is physically very well and I hope he continues for a few more years."