AINA NAMES RONALDO AS MOST FORMIDABLE OPPONENT OF HIS CAREER

Read Time:1 Minute, 58 Second

By: Muftau Fatimo

Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina has identified Cristiano Ronaldo as the most challenging opponent he has faced in his career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nottingham Forest defender made the revelation during a rapid-fire question session with teammates Nikola Milenkovic and Dan Ndoye in an interview with Hayters TV on Tuesday.

When asked about the best player he has competed against, Aina acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but ultimately singled out the Portuguese star.

“That’s a tough one. Over my entire career? I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo,” he stated.

Aina notably went up against Ronaldo in December 2018 while representing Torino in a Serie A clash against Juventus, during the Portuguese forward’s time in Italy.

The 29-year-old also reflected on the best player he has played alongside, naming former Chelsea striker Eden Hazard as the most exceptional talent he has shared a dressing room with.

Aina came through the Chelsea academy and was part of the squad that secured the Premier League title in the 2016/2017 season.

ADC DEMANDS INVESTIGATION AS FG REFUTES NIGER STUDENTS’ RANSOM CLAIMS

Reflecting on Hazard’s talent, Aina said, “Eden Hazard. I brag about that one.” He humorously added that despite playing alongside the Belgian star, he never got his contact information.

“I don’t have Eden’s number, you know. I have yours, best player in Serbia,” he joked to Milenkovic.

Aina made his senior debut for Chelsea in August 2016 during a 3–2 EFL Cup win over Bristol Rovers and went on to make three first-team appearances, including in a 3–0 Premier League victory against Leicester City.

In search of regular playing time, he joined Torino permanently in 2019, establishing himself in Serie A before returning to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest after a loan spell at Fulham.

When asked about his best moment at Forest, Aina highlighted his long-range goal against West Ham.

“My 30-yard screamer into the top corner against West Ham. I love it. It was a good one. Personally, I watch it back a lot. Yes, all the time,” he said.

On the toughest team he has faced, Aina singled out Inter, while he credited David Beckham as the player who inspired his love for football.