Cesc Fabregas insists Cristiano Ronaldo is performing 'much, much better' 18 months after leaving Man United for Saudi Arabia - having helped Portugal to late win over Czechia

Cesc Fabregas has praised Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that the Portugal star's overall game is 'much, much better' than it has been in recent years.

Ronaldo, playing at his sixth European Championship at the age of 39, featured as Portugal secured a 2-1 win against Czechia in their opening group stage fixture.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao scored a late winner as Portugal came from behind.

Lukas Provod had given Czechia the lead before an own goal from Robin Hranac saw Portugal equalise.

Although Ronaldo wasn't able to get on the scoresheet, he showed some encouraging signs and came close to scoring on some occasions.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Fabregas said: 'His overall play has been much, much better than we have seen over the last couple of years.

'At the end of the day, whatever you do, if the team plays well or the team does not play well, he always finds a chance.

'Either to create something for himself or for the team.

'In this moment I think he is feeling so much confidence.'

Ronaldo has scored 58 goals in 64 appearances for Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi Arabian club in January 2023.

Prior to that, he had a second spell at Manchester United which ended acrimoniously as he fell out with manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo scored 27 goals in 54 games during his second stint at United.

At international level, Ronaldo boasts an incredible 208 caps, while he has scored 130 goals. 

Portugal will take on Turkey and Georgia in their remaining two group games.