Fabio Capello reveals why he 'had to SACK' Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2007, despite calling Brazil legend the 'best talent' he ever coached

Fabio Capello has called Brazil legend Ronaldo the 'best player' he managed at Real Madrid from 2006 to 2007.

In four and a half seasons in the Spanish capital, Ronaldo, affectionately known as R9 and 'Il Fenomeno', scored 103 goals, becoming the fifth foreigner at the time to have netted a century for Los Blancos.

But although littered with personal and team silverware, including two World Cups and two Ballon d'Or awards, Ronaldo's career was blighted by injuries. 

Before the 1998 World Cup Final he infamously suffered a seizure and then missed most of the 1999-20, 2000-01, and 2001-02 seasons at Inter Milan through horror knee injuries including an exploded kneecap.

But for all his world-beating talent and injuries, former England manager Capello has revealed the real reason he had to get rid of Ronaldo in 2007 was his 'party' habits. 

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's 'FIVE' podcast, Capello claimed that Ronaldo would bring six or seven Madrid players to his villa for parties every night. 

'With him, we have to sack him because he was no leader. He was a negative leader because every night he went to the villa with I think six or seven players... party, party, party, party,' said Capello. 

Capello was concerned that R9's bad habits were spreading through the squad, telling Ferdinand, 'Sometimes it's one leader against the manager, you have to be really careful.'

Ferdinand asked if the Italian had ever experienced that internal division in his squads. Capello replied immediately: 'Yes, Ronaldo Fenomeno.'

At a speech to a university last year, Capello also commented on the end of Ronaldo's time for Los Blancos. 

'In February 2007 I decided to get rid of Ronaldo Nazario, he was someone who liked to party and encouraged the group to go out with him.

 'One day Ruud Van Nistelrooy came and told me: "Sir, it smells like alcohol here in the locker room" and it was true. Ronaldo weighed 94 kg that year. In Korea, at the 2002 World Cup, he weighed 82. I told him to lose weight… he reached 92.5kg,' said Capello.

The great Brazilian managed only four goals in 13 appearances in the 2006-07 season for Madrid before Capello shipped him off to AC Milan in January. In Milan he scored seven goals and picked up four assists before the end of the season.

The bespectacled Capello, not one for special treatment as England's stars like Ferdinand found out when he became manager of the Three Lions in 2007, also revealed last year that he advised AC Milan ex-chairman Silvio Berlusconi against signing Ronaldo. 

'Berlusconi called me one day to ask my advice on a hypothetical purchase of Ronaldo.

'I advised him against doing so, telling him that he [Ronaldo] was a party animal, and that he only thought about being surrounded by women. He [Berlusconi] told me: "Okay, thank you Fabio."'

But Berlusconi, known for his 'bunga bunga' parties, ignored Capello's advice and signed Ronaldo on transfer deadline day for £4.95million on an 18 month deal.

Since retiring, 'Il Fenomeno' has become a successful entrepreneur with a reported net worth of £128m. 

Ronaldo's business empire includes football clubs like Real Valladolid, the sport management company 9ine Sports and Entertainment, the Brazilian arm of sports agency Octagon, a finance advice company for players, and a foundation and academy.

In May, Ronaldo sold his controlling stake in the club where made his breakthrough as a teenager, Cruzeiro, for a reported £93m. 

Following a 14th place finish last season, 'Il Fenomeno's' departure was met with glee from some fans who held up a banner reading 'Bye, Ronaldo'.