Khabib Nurmagomedov has written a lengthy social media post in tribute to soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Earlier this week, Ronaldo decided to retire from representing his nation of Portugal on the international stage. At the age of 41, he has been playing past his prime in efforts to win an ever-elusive World Cup and complete an iconic career.

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Ronaldo and Nurmagomedov are considered two of the greatest of all time in their respective sports. They have shared a close friendship for years, and the Russian is now paying tribute to a truly iconic international career.

Khabib Nurmagomedov lauds Cristiano Ronaldo upon retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov knows what it takes to reach the top in a competitive sport, and he is equally as aware of how tough it is to retire. He hung up his gloves at the age of 32, arguably right in the middle of his athletic prime.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s experience was quite the opposite, playing internationally into his 40s despite showing his age in recent years. He is likely to go down as one of the best soccer players in history, and Nurmagomedov has penned a touching tribute to him.

“When you give everything away, you become unnecessary,” Nurmagomedov wrote to his 45 million followers on Instagram. “There are the best, and there are the best of the best.

“Ronaldo is among the best of the good, and at this level it becomes difficult for people to understand the mentality of such giants. What he has given to Football cannot be described in one word, as well as how the teams he gave his all to treated him.