"Now that I'm playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him" - When Arsenal star Bukayo Saka paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka once paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's unreal longevity in the game. Ronaldo has remained one of the biggest stars of the game for the past two decades.

The Portuguese legend's discipline and mindset set him apart from the rest of the crop. Saka once expressed admiration for Ronaldo for his traits. Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, the Arsenal ace said (via GOAL):

"Personally, I can't imagine (playing as long as Ronaldo), and that's why I have so much respect for him."

Saka further claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol, saying:

"Obviously, when I was younger, he was my idol, but now that I'm playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him, how he's managed to stay this disciplined and this focused and achieve everything he's achieved, yeah he's special."

Ronaldo has played for clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in his career. The 39-year-old currently plies his trade for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

Saka, meanwhile, has become a key player for Arsenal over the last few years. He is one of the best players in the Premier League at the moment and an important part of the England squad too.

Cristiano Ronaldo's record against Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo has spent a major portion of his career at Manchester United, representing the Red Devils across two spells. He often turned out to be Arsenal's nightmare during that phase.

Ronaldo played against the Gunners 18 times, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. He won nine of those games, losing four, and drawing five.

Ronaldo squared up against Saka particularly thrice during his second United spell. He won two of those games and lost the other. He is often looked up to by Premier League wingers and Saka has also expressed his admiration for the Portuguese superstar.

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