Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Ronaldo has urged Germany captain Michael Ballack to join the nine-time European champions and take over the mantle of ageing French talisman Zinedine Zidane.
Ballack, a free agent at the end of the season, refused to sign a four-year extension at German champions Bayern Munich and Ronaldo believes the midfielder needs to go to Italy or Spain to fulfill his potential.
"I believe he (Ballack) could be one of the Madrid greats," Ronaldo said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag.
"If he has aspirations to become world footballer of the year he has to play in the Spanish or Italian league. The German league is simply too poor.
"But at Real he would have the chance to win this accolade."
French international icon Zidane, 33, is the central figure in midfield for Real but Ronaldo believes Ballack can step into his shoes.
"The battle for places at Madrid is fierce and that is healthy," said Ronaldo. "It makes you stronger as a player and I think that one day Ballack can take Zidane's throne and become a Real Madrid legend."
Ballack turned down Madrid in the summer of 2002 when at Bayer Leverkusen, claiming he was not ready to move abroad and opted to join Bayern in a 12.9 million euro deal.
With his contract expiring the 29-year-old Ballack has decided to listen to all offers in January 2006 and with Manchester United recently pulling out of the race Madrid are firm favourites for his signature.
"It has been a long-standing dream of mine to play abroad," explained Ballack.
"I am 29, my contract is going to expire and this is the last opportunity for me to do something I have always wanted."
Bayern withdrew their lucrative four-year extension after Ballack, scorer of 29 goals in 61 internationals, continued to stall and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the midfielder was set to leave.
"Ballack decides his future in January and he will probably sign for Chelsea or Real," said Rummenigge.
Chelsea have denied their interest in Ballack.
