France Football announced on Monday their Ballon d’Or Dream Team, a star-studded team including former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo Nazario.
The Brazilian was interviewed exclusively by the French magazine as part of the special Ballon d’Or Dream Team issue. In it, the former Madrid and Barça striker, among others, spoke about Zinedine Zidane and other former teammates.
His first role model
Marco van Basten for sure. From a very young age, I watched Italian football and paid special attention to him. Maradona and Cruyff, too. And Zico, of course, because he played for Flamengo and I was a fan of theirs. I tried to take something from everyone and ultimately I can say that I am proud of the career that I have had.
His position on the pitch
Sometimes I played as a second striker, but I always looked to be the No 9. Maybe I could have played in the 10 position, but I always preferred to be close to the box, where I knew I was most dangerous. I was so in love with my position in the 9.
Zinedine Zidane
Zizou has been the best player I have trained and played with. And now he has become a coach and won three Champions Leagues in a row. So today I ask myself: ‘Who is better? Zidane the player or Zidane the coach?’ I can’t answer that!
