Madrid, Dec 8 (IANS): Real Madrid president Florentino Perez heaped praise on star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and said he is the best in the club's history along side former player Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Di Stefano, who figured in 282 fixtures for Real Madrid scoring 216 goals had won two Ballon d'Or while Portuguese Ronaldo collected his fifth on Thursday.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world and he represents all of the values of Real Madrid," Perez said.

"He is the best in history, along with Alfredo Di Stefano.

"He is his heir and, after him, a new stage in the club will arrive," Perez added.

Talking about the trophies and individual awards that the club has been winning in recent years, Perez said: "Real Madrid are a team that the entire world recognises, we have grown with the obligation to win and, as such, we have many Champions League titles and many Ballon d'Or awards.

"There is a beautiful love story between Real Madrid and the Champions League and between Madrid and the Ballon d'Or."