Maldini: Maradona and Ronaldo top two

Veteran defender Paolo Maldini has stated that Argentine legend Diego Maradona is the greatest opponent he's played.

Maldini also revealed that former Brazil striker Ronaldo is second on his list behind the Argentine playmaker.

Maradona has been touted by many as the greatest footballer of all time, bar none, after his term with Argentina and Napoli during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Ronaldo was also of that class when he was with Inter from 1997 to 2002, taking the Serie A by storm with his striking ability and deadly step-overs. He recently concluded his stay with AC Milan when his contract expired in early July.

"Maradona is the best opponent I've ever played against in my career," Maldini said in an interview.

"However Ronaldo, when he was at Inter, was very close to him. He was devastating."

Maldini added some words of praise for his former striker, but emphasized the impact of the ex-Real Madrid player had on the Rosseneri's championship run in the Champions League, though the now portly forward was cup-tied for the tournament.

"When he arrived he gave us an incredible lift, just as Ronaldinho has done now.

"We won the Champions League thanks to him. He did not play, but we arrived in Athens exploiting the emotional wave of his signing."

Milan defeated Liverpool in the final 2-1, with Filippo Inzaghi scoring both of the Milan's goals.