Madrid: France legend and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said on Wednesday that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world ahead of his arch rival Lionel Messi.

The World Cup winner also believes that the rivalry between the two is good for the game.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo is the best,’ Zidane was quoted as saying by goal.com. ‘Messi is his rival and the rivalry is good for football.’

Zidane has had a wonderful start to his managerial career at Real after replacing Rafael Benitez as the club manager at the start of January.

The Frenchman did not spend in the January transfer window and insists he has a quality squad at hand.

‘I have a sensational group, I am very happy with the players and what they are doing, 80 to 90 percent of the game is in the mental strength. If you are focused, it is the most important thing. Playing for Real Madrid is a dream, we are lucky to be here,’ he said.