Former Real Madrid star Kaka has expressed his admiration at Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability and resolve.

Ronaldo enjoyed a fantastic season last term as he inspired Real Madrid to Champions League glory before helping Portugal secure their first European crown following a Euro 2016 triumph.

The 31-year-old was irrepressible at times last season as he ended his club campaign with 51 goals, further extending his lead as the top scorer in the club’s history.

Former teammate Kaka has now expressed his admiration of the player’s quality and his ability to keep working and improving.

‘It’s incredible, he shows every year that he can beat himself,’ Kaka told Omnisport. ‘Every year he has motivation to keep going, to keep scoring and be the best player in the world.

‘Sometimes when you have won a lot of things in your career, it is normal to slow down a little bit so maybe the motivation in your mind and mentality is not easy,’ Kaka explained.

Comparing Ronaldo to perennial rival Lionel Messi, Kaka exclaimed that the pairing are unique in their hunger to be the best year after year.

Ronaldo was absent for Real as they lifted the Uefa Super Cup last week, with the player still recovering from the knee injury he sustained in the Euro 2016 final.

The Portuguese is likely to miss Real’s opening game of the season at Real Sociedad, though he is expected to be fit for the Celta Vigo clash the following week.

Real’s game against Sociedad will be played at t\he Anoeta Stadium.

Kick-off is at 20:15.