Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez insists there is no rift with Cristiano Ronaldo

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Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez wants something made clear: there is no rift between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Benitez thinks Ronaldo is the best player in the world.

Benitez heaped praise onto Ronaldo on Thursday morning, one day after a video emerged of Ronaldo lashing out and looking visibly irate during a training session Wednesday, flailing his arms and muttering profanities after Benitez ruled out Ronaldo's goal in a scrimmage match.

But, Benitez says Ronaldo's outburst in training isn't a sign that there is a problem between himself and the Portuguese footballing icon. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“(Ronaldo) is a competitive guy and that’s the key," Benitez told reporters in Spain. "This is a positive thing, not a defect.

"I always try and get the best from my players," Benitez added. "Seeing Cristiano close-up and watching him work, you can appreciate why he has won so many trophies. Clearly he is the best in the world."

Benitez didn't endear himself early on with Ronaldo, though, with speculation that Welsh winger Gareth Bale would be the key piece to his side, despite ending last season with the fury of the fans on his back. But, Benitez has now had a change of mind after seeing Ronaldo first-hand and says the two have as good a relationship as any within the team.

“My relationship with him is the same as the rest of the players," Benitez said. "I speak to them all. There are those who are speculating on this or that but I can assure you that the relationship is totally normal.

“Fortunately after working with him you can see how competitive he is and how keen he is to win," Benitez said. "He has great quality and that’s what makes him the best player in the world. I wish all the players had the same enthusiasm to compete and win. He shows this on a day by day basis and I’m delighted with him."