Madrid, Sep 18 (IANS): Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado believes star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo does not get the appreciation he deserves following his sublime performances for the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The Portugal star recently became Madrid's all-time top goal scorer in La Liga (231 goals) and extended his Champions League goal record to 80 after yet another hat-trick, this time against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a 4-0 win.

However, despite accomplishing this astonishing feat, Salgado believes not everybody realises how much work Ronaldo puts in to achieve his success.

"How he (Ronaldo) works is spectacular and what he's doing is impressive, equalling Messi's records and winning Ballon d'Or when it's so difficult, because you have a player like Lionel Messi," Salgado was quoted as saying by AS.com on Thursday.

"I don’t think people realise the value of Cristiano and the effort he puts into winning what he wins," he said.

Salgado made more than 250 appearances at right-back for Madrid during his career, a position now held by Dani Carvajal, and the retired defender is full of praise for the 23-year-old.

"For me, Dani Carvajal is a special full-back and is amazing in defence and attack and has the perfect balance," Salgado added.