Real president salutes Ronaldo

Published Sep. 21, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "one of those players who appear from century to century".

The talismanic forward celebrated penning a lucrative new contract with the Spanish giants last week with a hat-trick to inspire his side to a 6-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek.

Ronaldo, who is tied to the club until 2018 and has indicated a desire to finish his career with Madrid, will be looking to cap a memorable few days when Getafe visit the Bernabeu on Sunday.

He will do so after a glowing tribute from club president Perez, who also welcomed the arrivals of world-record signing Gareth Bale and Spaniards Isco and Asier Illarramendi over the summer.

"It's a luxury to have Cristiano here. He is one of those players who appear from century to century and we are lucky to have him on our team," said Perez, speaking at a celebratory function where he discussed a variety of topics.

"But it is also important in our project to have foreign players like Bale and the best Spanish players like Isco and Illarramendi and also homegrown players."

Perez also had warm words for Carlo Ancelotti, who has made a decent start to life with Madrid in both the Primera Division and the Champions League.

"We have a great coach," added the 66-year-old.

Ancelotti will want his side to bounce back from last week's 2-2 draw at Villarreal with a dominant showing over Getafe.

The Italian may have to do without the services of goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who took an elbow to the ribs against Galatasaray 14 minutes into his return for the first team, paving the way for Diego Lopez to return in his place.

Full-backs Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo are both doubts and the game comes too soon for midfielder Xabi Alonso.

There was more positive news over defender Raphael Varane, who is back in full training and will be in contention for a place on the bench.

Getafe claimed their first league win of the season against Osasuna last week, although they would appear to be on a hiding to nothing against Ancelotti's men.

They have shipped four goals on each of their last four visits to the Bernabeu, but were 2-1 winners when they welcomed Madrid to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in August 2012.

While midfielder Pedro Mosquera admitted Getafe will need to be on their guard against his former club, he refused to concede defeat before a ball has even been kicked.

"The other day the game against Osasuna gave me a lot of confidence and against Madrid we must play without fear but with respect," said the 25-year-old in a question and answer session with www.marca.com.

Fellow midfielder Michel echoed his team-mate's assertion.

"Of course you can get something at the Bernabeu, but it is also true that for this we must work hard," he said on the club's official website.