Manchester United legend: Ashley Cole is the toughest opponent I’ve faced

Manchester United legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that former England international Ashley Cole is the toughest opponent he has ever faced.

Despite the 31-year-old, who left the Red Devils for Real Madrid back in 2009 following his then world record £80m move, coming up against many world-class defenders during his star-studded career for United, Madrid and Portugal, Ronaldo told Coach Mag (via Sky Sports) that former Arsenal and Chelsea ace Cole was a tricky player to beat.

Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

“Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe,” he admitted.

“He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle.

“You knew it would never be an easy game.”

Ronaldo and Cole clashed during several encounters during the Portuguese’s six-year spell at The Theatre of Dreams and whilst on international duty.

He scored an impressive 118 goals in 291 appearances in all competitions for United under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought him to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon back in 2003.