Antonio Cassano has sharply criticised Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that he is not even “half of half” of his Brazilian namesake.

Ronaldo dominated the headlines during the recent international break, his dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus leading to him exiting their camp early and resulting in his suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation after disciplinary proceedings were opened.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star put the saga behind him by finding the net for Al-Nassr in their win over Diriyah.

That goal took him to 981 for his hugely decorated career. However, Cassano, who played with Brazil superstar Ronaldo during his time with Madrid, does not feel Portugal’s record goalscorer has anywhere close to the same quality.

In an interview with AS ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with Roma, another of Cassano’s former teams, the former Italy forward was asked about his admiration for Azzurri legend Francesco Totti.

Cassano replied: “He was one of my great idols. When I had the chance to sign for Roma or Juventus, I decided to go to Rome because that’s where Francesco had played.

“Then I had the good fortune to play alongside Ronaldo Nazário. As a centre forward, I’ve never seen anyone like him. He was absolutely fabulous and could change a game like no one else.

“If he had had a career without injuries, he would have reached an unimaginable level. That was the real Ronaldo, not Cristiano, who is half of half of Ronnie the Phenomenon.”