Game recognise game.
Conor McGregor is many things. Exceptionally talented? Check. Hard-working? Check. A polarising figure among fans of his sport? Check. There are plenty of similarities in Cristiano Ronaldo, whom 'The Notorious' has hailed in a recent interview.
McGregor spoke to FIFA.com, covering an array of subjects, one of which was Ronaldo, who recently secured Juventus' place in the last eight of the Champions League with a hat-trick against Atlético Madrid, who always seem to fall victim to Ronaldo in the biggest moments.
Asked what he thought of Ronaldo since his move from Real Madrid to Juventus, McGregor could only say good things about the Portuguese forward.
"Cristiano is a phenomenal athlete, person, and entrepreneur," the Irishman told
FIFA.com.
"His all-around discipline, perfectionist attitude, and dedication to his craft is inspiring and has inspired so many young children to play football.
"Just look what he did recently in the Champions League, at 34 years young, a hat-trick under the lights when the pressure was on for all the marbles. And against Atletico Madrid, one of the best defensive sides in Europe. That is inspiring! We are both disciplined athletes at the top of our game."
The pair are well acquainted with each other, after Ronaldo dropped by McGregor's gym back in 2016.
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McGregor also explained that he played a lot of football as a kid, and believes that a lot of the skills and values learned while playing have transferred into his fighting career.
"Throughout my youth, I was big into football," he said.
"I played striker or midfielder. If you were to sum me up as a player, I was efficient, devastating and slick – similar to my fighting style. Skills learned at this youthful age playing football – teamwork, leadership, commitment, dedication and discipline – without a doubt transferred over into my combat sports vocation."
