Ancelotti: 'Ronaldo is a phenomenon'

The Italian coach indicated that the Portugal star was special among the many top players with whom he has worked.

New Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has talked up the quality of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Conducting a conference call with American reporters ahead of his team's participation in the Guinness International Champions Cup, the two-time European Cup winner was asked if the Portuguese was the best  player he had ever managed, and he had nothing but praise for the forward.

"I've trained tons of talented players," Ancelotti responded in Spanish. "But Ronaldo is a phenomenon. He has an incredible talent, physical quality, and I'm extremely happy to be able to coach him.

"He's very professional, and I'm convinced he's going to have a great season."

Ronaldo finished second in the La Liga scoring charts last season, netting 34 goals in 34 matches. Only Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi scored more, tallying 46 times.

Real Madrid kicks off its involvement in the ICC with a match against the LA Galaxy at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona on Aug. 1.