“Ronaldinho or Ronaldo would not accept living like him” - Barcelona star hailed by coach for his professionalism with bold claim

Jan Urban recently compared Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski with the likes of Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho. The Poland national team head coach lauded the striker's professionalism and his high standards.

Lewandowski is 37 now, but is still going strong for his club and country. He has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 16 games across competitions for Barcelona this season. Lauding his professionalism, Jan Urban claimed that even the likes of Ronaldinho and Ronaldo wouldn't have lived like Lewandowski.

Urban told Foot Truck (h/t Barca Blaugranes):

”Lewandowski is a complete professional, a true professional and an example for everyone. Ronaldinho or Ronaldo would not accept living like him. It’s also a matter of education."

He added:

"Despite not knowing him until now, however, what I saw was the same as what I saw from a distance: an incredible demand on himself, professionalism and, above all, what he does almost perfectly: finish the action and score goals. He is a top-level footballer because of what he demands of himself.

”Until I became national coach, I didn’t even have the chance to talk to him or shake his hand. I only knew him from observation. When I saw him training, on the field, in a game, he was the Robert I imagined. And so it has been. He is an example for everyone and a player with whom you can work very well.”

Lewandowski has scored 109 goals and provided 21 assists in 163 games for Barcelona since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2022.

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When Real Madrid legend hailed Barcelona icon Ronaldo Nazario as best player of all time

Ronaldo Nazario is among the rare players to have played for both arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. He is widely regarded as the greatest No. 9 of all time. His former Brazil and Real Madrid teammate, Roberto Carlos, recently hailed him as the greatest player of all time.

He said:

"For me, he has been the best. If he didn't have his injuries, he'd have had 15 Ballon d’Ors. It's not just me saying this, if you ask Drogba, Maldini, Cannavaro or any coach in the world, they will say it, Mourinho has said it. In my opinion Ronaldo Nazario, in this era is the best and will always be No.1!"

R9 spent one season (1996-97) with Barcelona, scoring 47 goals and providing 13 assists in 49 games. He joined Real Madrid in 2002 and spent five years with them, contributing 104 goals and 34 assists in 177 games.