Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about relationship with Leo Messi; comparisons with Pele, Maradona & more

The Portuguese star spoke about a variety of topics.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who turns 40 on Wednesday, has made a huge claim. After scoring two goals on Monday, Ronaldo, who is presently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League (SPL), declared himself the “most complete player ever” to play the game.

Ronaldo also asserted that he had a special place in his heart for Real Madrid, where he won four Champions League trophies during his nine-year tenure from 2009 to 2018.

Ronaldo said while speaking to Edu Aguirre.

“I’m the most complete player ever. To say that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie. You may prefer Pele, Messi, Maradona, I understand and respect that.”

🗣️Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’m the most complete player EVER. To say that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie”.“You may prefer Pele, Messi, Maradona, I understand and respect that”. pic.twitter.com/TwRvj351Av

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) February 4, 2025

The Portugal star, who is now nearly 40, is still doing well and making an incredible $3 million a week while playing in the SPL. He has won five Ballon d’Or trophies and all of the major football awards at the club level during his brilliant career.

He led Portugal to victory in both the 2019 Nations League and the 2016 Euro. The only significant honour still absent from his trophy case is the FIFA World Cup.

In terms of individual achievements, Ronaldo has scored over 900 goals and, if he keeps up with his scoring spree, he might become the first player to reach 1000 goals.

For now, Ronaldo’s focus is on the AFC Champions League as he looks to win another continental championship. The Portuguese scored a brace against Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite match, giving Al-Nassr a huge 4-0 win. Al-Nassr, who currently holds third place in the rankings with 38 points from 18 games, are vying for the SPL championship as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo on playing under “bad coaches”

Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the calibre of his coaches during his storied career in a conversation with El Chiringuito TV. For many managers, it was easy for them to manage the Portuguese star as he singlehandedly led the team to wins.

However, during his career, Ronaldo has encountered many managers in his career who have failed to do well with the 39-year-old in the team and also questioned his qualities.

“I had some really bad coaches. Some of them don’t have a f*cking clue about football at all,”

Before departing Manchester United for Saudi Arabia in 2022, Ronaldo blasted Erik Ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick for their failed tactics and antics at the club.

Ronaldo reveals how he helped Messi in a ceremony

Long-running rumours and false stories about a tense relationship between the two superstars have tainted the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano has denied any ill will, though, and even admitted that he assisted Messi with translations at the numerous award shows they attended together.

“I have a good relationship with Leo Messi. I was translating him in English at an award ceremony too. It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along”.

Cristiano Ronaldo: “I have a good relationship with Leo Messi. I was translating him in English at an award ceremony too!”. “It was funny. It was a healthy rivalry, we got along”.#Ronaldo #Messi pic.twitter.com/IwQWyXeyIy

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) February 4, 2025

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