04.02.2025 14:12
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues his career with the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr, stated that he believes he is the greatest football player of all time. Ronaldo made comments about his career, his rivalry with Argentine star Lionel Messi, his most successful days at Real Madrid, and his life in Saudi Arabia.
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The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues his career with the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr, stated that he believes he is the greatest football player of all time.
"I AM THE GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF ALL TIME"
Emphasizing that statistics tell everything, the 39-year-old Ronaldo said, "I think I am the greatest footballer of all time. People may prefer Pele, Maradona, or Messi; I understand and respect that, but it is unfair to say that Cristiano is not a complete player. I am the most complete player. I have not seen a better footballer than myself. I believe I am the most complete footballer in history. Despite not being left-footed, I am among the top 10 players who have scored the most goals with their left foot. Headers, penalties, free kicks... let's not even talk about my right foot. I do everything on the field. I am good at headers and free kicks. I am fast, strong, and I can use both feet." he expressed.
"I HAD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MESSI"
Often compared to Lionel Messi in discussions about the greatest footballer in history, Ronaldo expressed that he had a good relationship with the Argentine footballer. Noting that there was a historic rivalry between them, the experienced player said, "I had a very good relationship with Messi. I remember once translating for him at an award ceremony; it was a very funny moment. He has always treated me well. We have been sharing awards for 15 years, and we always get along well. I hope we can see the numbers we have reached in football again, but I believe that is very difficult." he said.
"I LOVED SCORING GOALS THERE"
Ronaldo, who stated that he left because his mission at Real Madrid was over, expressed that he loved scoring goals at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
The Portuguese star conveyed that he played at Camp Nou without caring about the fans' insults, saying, "I loved playing and scoring at Camp Nou. It was a stadium where I was whistled at, but also encouraged; it had a different atmosphere. I was only thinking about scoring to silence those people. I loved scoring at Camp Nou more than at Bernabeu." he commented.
Touching on his departure from the Madrid team, Ronaldo said, "My mission there was over. I wanted a different motivation. My departure did not wear me out. Although the president did not treat me well during negotiations, he accepted my departure. He wanted me to return, but I could not go. I appreciate and respect Florentino Perez. I do not rule out the possibility of returning one day to do something great when my career is over." he stated.
"I COULD HAVE PLAYED AT BARCELONA"
Ronaldo mentioned that there was a possibility of playing at Barcelona when he was 18 years old. The Portuguese footballer stated that he received offers from both Barcelona and Manchester United at the same time, saying, "I was playing at Sporting and could have gone to many clubs. One of them was Barcelona. I could have played at Barcelona. Someone from the club was with me and wanted to sign a contract with me, but it did not happen. I think they wanted to transfer me for the following year. Manchester United, however, completed the transfer immediately." he evaluated.
"MBAPPE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY AS A STRIKER"
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappe does not know how to play as a striker. Expressing that Real Madrid fans should trust Mbappe, Ronaldo said, "Kylian Mbappe does not know how to play as a striker because that is not his position. If I were in Madrid, I would teach him how to play '9' like Cristiano because I had to learn too. If I were in his place, I would try to do what Cristiano did as a striker. You need to be unpredictable, and he has that quality. I love him very much. He is a very good player; Madrid fans should protect him." he commented.
Ronaldo noted that Real Madrid's young English star Jude Bellingham reminds him of Zinedine Zidane. Expressing that he loves Bellingham, the goal scorer said, "He reminds me of Zidane. Bellingham is very young and has a bright future ahead of him. He will give a lot to Real Madrid." he said.
"THE SAUDI ARABIA LEAGUE IS BETTER THAN MLS"
Ronaldo emphasized the quality of the league, stating that he enjoys playing in Saudi Arabia and living here with his family.
The Portuguese player noted that the Saudi Arabian league is on the right track, saying, "I did not think it would grow this fast, but I knew the league would reach a good level like it is now. The Saudi Arabian league is definitely better than the Major League Soccer (MLS). Those who talk do not know what they are talking about. Only those who play here know what I mean." he expressed.
Ronaldo, who stated that he is someone who loves challenges and trying new things, said, "I really enjoy this experience. I feel very good here with my family. I am not afraid of big challenges. The idea of going to Saudi Arabia did not scare me. I knew what kind of league it was thanks to many Portuguese players who play here." he said.
Stating that his passion for football continues, the experienced player responded to a question about how his day goes in Saudi Arabia, saying, "I wake up wanting to train and play matches every day. Of course, it is not the same as before, a little less, but I still have my passion. I do not go to the gym with enthusiasm every day. There are days when you feel better or worse emotionally, but my dedication keeps me going. I am still in very good shape and making a difference. I enjoy football every day. I wake up, have breakfast with Georgina, and chat. I go to training and come back for meals. Some days I pick up the kids from school. I have a normal day." he replied.
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