'The guy is sick' says Deco of Cristiano Ronaldo and his crazy workrate

Speaking to ESPN Brazil - in quotes relayed in English via Goal.com - the former Chelsea and Barcelona star could scarcely contain his bewilderment and awe at his compatriot's dedication.

"The guy is sick," he said. "I haven't seen anyone in training sessions like that. I think it's really difficult to be like that."

As one of the few men ever to share a changing room with both, Deco was asked how Ronaldo compares to Lionel Messi - and rather disappointingly, refused to be drawn .

"They are completely different. Though Messi takes care of himself like a normal athlete, Ronaldo is unbelievable," he said. "It borders on sickness because he always wants to be the best at his job. He competes in everything.

"I think it's great to see both players in action, it's almost impossible to compare them. If you look at one's game it's totally different from the other's. There are no parameters for comparison."

Well, there are parameters for comparison, aren't there? Considering that both Ronaldo and Messi play the same sport in the same league. It's not like one is a carpenter and the other a fishmonger, for example.

But this is still a fascinating snippet of insight into what makes Ronaldo tick. And it also reinforces the increasingly widespread view that while Messi is the more talented of the two, Ronaldo is the more dedicated to self-improvement.

How strange, then, that it's still Messi who inspires the most love from fans. After all, Ronaldo's determination to become the very best possible version of himself is arguably a more honourable and inspiring way of life. You can't help feeling that if he toned down the hair gel and underwear sales people would respect his dedication that much more.