Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo says he appreciates Brazilian football and their footballers.

Ronaldo spoke to ESPN Brasil about his affinity with Brazil.

He stated, “What I can say, with absolute certainty, is that Brazil is a brother country. Because of the relationship I have with my colleagues, because of the culture, the Brazilians who live in Portugal. My sister lives in Brazil, married to a Brazilian. I take my nutrition courses with Brazilians. It's a country I have a lot of respect for, I know a lot about Brazil.

"Nobody knows how to play. Nobody said I would return to Manchester (United) at 36, and here I am. Play in Brazil? I don't know. It's far from my thoughts. But in football, anything is possible, I don't know."

Ronaldo was also invited to make a comparison with two other legends of world football: Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho Gaúcho, both now retired.

"I don't like comparisons. I prefer to say that the three left their legacy, their history. I can say, by facts, that I won more individual titles than they did, but both won World Cups. I sympathise a lot with them. I grew up watching them both to play. Saying who is the best, who is second, is not the most important thing. I prefer to say that they are idols and left a beautiful history in football."