Pochettino praises Ronaldo ahead of Wembley clash

CAIRO – 31 October 2017: Tottenham Hotspurs’ Argentinean manager Mauricio Pochettino praised Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Tottenham game against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

“He's a phenomenon. He has been awarded “the best” and the truth is that he deserves it. In addition to his qualities as a professional, he is an example,” Pochettino told Marca on Tuesday.

Ronaldo won the FIFA Player of the Year Award on Monday, October 23, in London after a competition with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Paris Saint Germain’s Neymar.

Pochettino added “he never tires of repeating that the secret is to work hard, to strive, to take care of himself. Every player should apply it."

Ronaldo scored Madrid’s only goal at the 1-1 draw against Tottenham in the third round of the Champions League group stage.

Pochettino spoke about Wednesday’s game, saying “it will be a very exciting match. Not only are three points at stake, but also a good image. It is a good opportunity to confirm everything that is said about us and to move on to the next round, which is the goal for Tottenham this season."