Sir Alex Ferguson says Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the best player of his generation.

Ronaldo, who was mentored by Ferguson at Manchester United, won Euro 2016 with Portugal on Sunday as he ended his wait for a trophy on the international stage.

Despite only lasting 25 minutes of the final against France, Ronaldo directed his side from the touchline during the closing stages and scored three important goals at the tournament.

And, Ferguson, believes it is the 31-year-old’s desire to win and improve as a player that makes him the “special footballer” of his generation.

“He has an incredible desire for football, Cristiano is looking forward to each workout,” Ferguson told Bild. “He always wants to be better, to win. He especially loves these big games.

“During my time at Manchester United, Cristiano was the player who developed the most. Through much hard work.

“He constantly worked on his shooting technique, with the right, left, his heading ability, his bounce. His performance improvement is incredible. And what is remarkable, today’s football is so athletic, so fast.

“Usually top players can only play for about five or six years at the highest level, then it’s over,” Ferguson added. “Cristiano has been doing this for over 10 years. That makes him so exceptional.

“Every generation has its special footballer, Cristiano is currently.”