Credit: X

Credit: X

Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in an interview and called himself as the best in the game, compared to other icons of the sport including legends such as Lionel Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona. During the conversation with Spanish journalist Edu Aguiree for El Chiringuito de Jugones, the Al Nassr forward claimed he is the most complete footballer to have ever played the sport. He placed himself on the top of football’s rich history.

Exuding confidence, Ronaldo said "I am the most complete footballer that has ever existed. While you may prefer Messi, Pelé, or Maradona, I stand out as the most complete and the best in history. I have yet to see anyone better than myself."

Speaking further, Cristiano Ronaldo backed his claims by stressing on his sensational goal-scoring feat, saying, "I am the all-time leading scorer. Despite not being left-footed, I am in the top ten for historical goals scored with my left foot. These are numbers that affirm I am the most complete player to have ever existed." 

Ronaldo talks about his departure from Real Madrid 

During the interview, Cristiano Ronaldo also recollected his stint with the Spanish football club Real Madrid, where he spent nine years and claimed to prosper the most in the ambiance. He also talked about the stern competitiveness in La Liga, highlighting his intense rivalry with Messi, who served Barcelona from 2004 to 2021. Ronaldo also discussed his exit from Real Madrid which happened in 2018. Explaining the incident, he revealed his time with La Liga’s most successful club concluded naturally as it was the time’s call.

"I thrived in that atmosphere; the jeers only fueled my desire to score and silence the critics. I preferred scoring at Camp Nou over Bernabéu," he admitted. "We lived a week filled with intense tension. It was an iconic rivalry - Madrid vs. Barça, Cristiano vs. Messi, Ramos vs. Piqué. It was beautiful. I had a great relationship with Messi; I once translated for him during an awards ceremony before the gala began. He always treated me well."  

"My cycle was over, and I longed for a different motivation. My exit didn't drain me; the president agreed to my departure, although our negotiations could have gone better. He wanted me to stay, but I was already set on leaving. I have respect for Florentino and occasionally speak with him. I wouldn't rule out returning one day after my career ends to do something special," he said in a closing remark.