New Real Madrid signing Mateo Kovacic has sung lavished praise on star Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of making his debut for the Spanish club.

Ronaldo is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. His amazing statistics in the last five years certainly back this fact. Even though he has a reputation for being a bad boy in some quarters, Ronaldo has been a huge influence on many fellow professionals. The 30-year-old will be playing in his sixth season at Madrid, where he will be joined by the 21-year-old –Kovacic. He has been brought in from Inter Milan for € 32 million.

Kovacic is seen as the ideal replacement for Modric, who will be entering into his 30s in a short while. While at Inter Milan, the Croatian international did not help matters by being inconsistent. Hence, he was not a regular first-team line-up. Despite it, Madrid have placed their faith on the undisputed talent within the midfielder. The presence of big names like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema could help him deliver on a more consistent basis.Kovacic is also happy that he can play alongside his international teammate Modric.Kovacic also claimed that he was joining the best club in the world. Madrid have lifted 10 European Cups.

“I’ve no doubt that all the players are phenomenal. But Cristiano is the best and the man who brings the most goals. It’s an honour to be a part of this team, with players who have experienced it all. I’m just getting started. Every player wants to play at the Bernabéu,” said Kovacic. “He’s a friend of mine. I’m very happy to be able to share a dressing room with him and I thank him for all the positive things he has said about me,” said the midfielder about Modric.