The striker spent 11 years at Real between 1953 and 1964 and went on to become one of their most decorated players ever.

Di Stefano won five European Cups and eight La Liga titles during his time at the Bernabeu

In contrast, Ronaldo has two league titles and three Champions Leagues, but Arbeloa thinks he still ranks up there as one of the great Galacticos of all time.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has scored before and at Real Madrid, at all levels, and that puts him in the same bracket as Di Stefano," Arbeloa said.

The Spanish full-back spent seven years with Real after Leaving Liverpool in 2009.

And he has a strong affinity with Real and admits it was a tough decision to leave for West Ham in 2016.

"During my seven years at the club, I was always myself and I defended my teammates, manager and the club,” he told Spanish publication Marca.

"I think the fans could see that

"You have to know when to say goodbye because it's not easy and even less so at Real Madrid.

“You have to know when to decide but it's better when people love you so you give them a chance to miss you."

Arbeloa planned to play on until he reached 40 years of age but decided to hang his boots up at the end of last season.

"I always said I would play until I was 40 because I loved going to training," he said.

"But there came a time when football did not give me what it had given me in the past, I looked to the future and I did not see that passion to continue training."