Cristiano Ronaldo is a fundamental player for Real Madrid... I hope he stays for many years, says Rafa Benitez before PSG test

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Rafa Benitez says he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Real Madrid for many years and warned the rest of Europe that his team will only get better as the season goes on.

Speaking ahead of Ronaldo's second head-to-head with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the space of two weeks, and asked about the Portuguese star's recent refusal to rule out leaving the Bernabeu, Benitez said: 'Nobody knows what is going to happen in the long term. Cristiano is a fundamental player for us and I hope he is here for many more years.'

Asked to compare his talisman with PSG's towering Swede, he said: 'We are talking about two great players. I know what Cristiano represents for us, and I imagine Ibrahimovic is the same for them.'

Cristiano Ronaldo (far right, pictured with Luka Modric) bursts out laughing during Monday's training session

Rafa Benitez talks tactics with his coaching staff as he prepares for his side's match against PSG

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo juggles with the ball as Real put the final touches on their preparations

Benitez was responding to an interview given by Ronaldo to EFE, the Spanish news agency, in which he said: 'At this moment, I'm happy playing for Real Madrid but I don't know what will happen in my future. I must choose the way that makes me happy.'

He could find himself comfortably in the last 16 of the Champions League if Real get the three points on Tuesday but boss Benitez warned: 'We gave a brilliant performance in the first game against them but the quality that PSG have is beyond question and we know we are going to have to be at our best to take the three points that will give us qualification.'

He can welcome back Keylor Navas, Pepe and James Rodriguez to the squad and although Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal are still ruled out they are all close to a return.

Madrid have had to face their toughest run of games without some of their most important players but after wins over Celta Vigo, Las Palmas and Levante in the league and a draw in Paris they remain top both at home and in Europe.

Benitez said: 'The team has to keep growing. If I was completely satisfied at this point of the season it would be something to worry about. There is still an important margin for improvement. I'm convinced the team will get better and better and that the peak is yet to arrive.'

Former Man United star Ronaldo has refused to commit his long-term future to the Bernabeu outfit

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas (centre) is expected to return to action after a muscle strain 

James Rodriguez (left) looks set to give Real Madrid a major boost by returning from injury to face PSG