Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as the 'deepest thinker' he has ever worked under.

In a wide-ranging interview with Coach Magazine, the Real Madrid striker commented on his perceived rivalry with Lionel Messi and named his toughest ever opponent.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to win back-to-back Ballon D'Or trophies credit: AP

When asked which footballer he had most admiration for, the 31-year-old put pay to suggestions that the pair did not see eye-to-eye.

"There is a big mutual respect between myself and Lionel Messi," said Ronaldo.

"The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don’t. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides."

Ronaldo was also asked how he managed to deal with the sheer volume of coverage he received in his life and career.

Cristiano Ronaldo won his only La Liga title with Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho credit: AFP

"[I've learnt] To use negative people and experiences to motivate you. I actually need my haters – they have helped me achieve all I have achieved."

Ronaldo's former coach, Jose Mourinho, finds himself under pressure at Manchester United after a disappointing start to the Premier League season, but Ronaldo hailed his fellow countryman's approach to management.

"I have played for so many great coaches, but José Mourinho was a big thinker analytically, he went into everything in great detail."

Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo after Manchester United's Champions League final win credit: Getty Images

"I do see Sir Alex Ferguson as a father figure. All my coaches have been important, but when I arrived at Real Madrid I was a man, when I arrived at Manchester United I was a boy.

"All of a sudden you are at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and at that time I needed somebody like Sir Alex."

Ronaldo scored 84 goals in 196 appearances for Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee in 2009.

The three-time Ballon D'Or winner, who is widely tipped to be voted the best player in the world in January, identified a former Premier League defender as the toughest opponent he had faced.

Cristiano Ronaldo tries to evade Ashley Cole during one of their many match-ups credit: Getty Images

"Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he doesn’t give you a second to breathe," said Ronaldo.

"He was such a tenacious player, quick and tough in the tackle when he was at his peak. You knew it would never be an easy game."

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just twice for Real Madrid this season, but its unlikely his self belief will be affected by his relative goal drought.

When asked who the biggest influence on his career was, Ronaldo replied: "I was."

Never change, Cristiano.