"There is no doubt Cristiano can become the best player in the world.
"He has everything really and in terms of players who can attack defenders at speed, no-one in Europe comes close.
"There are some central midfield players like Kaka and Ronaldinho, who can attack from central areas and are very good at it. But they are world-class players anyway.
"Ronaldo is in that bracket now. He runs with the ball at such incredible speed it is not easy for defenders to handle him and his record for Portugal shows you exactly where he is going.
"He is learning the game of football now, when to pass and when to hold.
"The whole variety of his game has changed. It is quite remarkable because it is something we have been working on with the boy all the time and, all of a sudden, he seems to be able to grasp all the things we have been saying. That is very encouraging.
"In fairness, referees are starting to recognise because, running at the speed Cristiano does, it only takes half a bodycheck for him to lose his balance."
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"I know English football is very tribal and everyone wants their team to do well but there is one common denominator - they are all passionate about the game and they recognise a great player and that has what has happened with Cristiano.
"Although they set out to boo him, they are sat there with their legs and fingers crossed hoping nothing happens to embarrass them. At Charlton I was sat in the directors' box and this guy was going berserk even when Cristiano didn't have the ball. He was up shouting then, all of a sudden, Ronaldo hits the bar and the guy sat down for 10 minutes thinking it's not worth it because he can hurt you with his ability."