Man United legend Rio Ferdinand makes sensational boast about Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand. [Courtesy]

Rio Ferdinand has branded Cristiano Ronaldo a "living football god" after he fired Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Juve superstar Ronaldo crashed in his 52nd career hat-trick to help the Italians overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese legend pounded in identical headers either side of half-time before using his nerves of steel to convert a last gasp penalty.

Ronaldo almost single-handedly helped Juve through. [Courtesy]

The treble continued Ronaldo's list of Champions League records which include: most goals, most home goals, most away goals, most group stage goals, most knockout stage goals, most final goals, most free kicks, most spot kicks, most headers, more doubles, most hat-tricks and most assists.

And former Manchester United teammate Ferdinand was suitably impressed by yet another Ronaldo showcase.

"He's a living football god," Ferdinand said on BT Sports. "It is ridiculous what he is doing.

"It is the Champions League and he has every record you can imagine. He is joint top scorer and hat-trick man with Messi.

"His first goal is like Duncan Ferguson in his prime. He attacks the ball and leaves the centre back in a heap and then says 'this is me'. That is what you call desire."

Presenter Gary Lineker added: "He's the best header of a ball I have ever seen."

Ronaldo was humble about his performance.

He said: “It had to be a special night and it was, not just for the goals, but for the team and their incredible attitude.

"This is the mentality you need in the Champions League and we are on the right track.”

Asked about Juve not being able to complete such a memorable comeback in previous years, Ronaldo responded: “This is why Juve brought me in, to help on magic nights like this.

"Atleti are a really tough team to face, but we are strong too and proved we deserved to go through.

“It’s too early to talk about the Final, let’s take it one step at a time.”

Asked about Juve not being able to complete such a memorable comeback in previous years, Ronaldo responded: “This is why Juve brought me in, to help on magic nights like this.

"Atleti are a really tough team to face, but we are strong too and proved we deserved to go through.

“It’s too early to talk about the Final, let’s take it one step at a time.”