Ronaldo mentioned Zinedine Zidane in addition to seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi when talking about the greatest players he has ever seen.
In a shocking interview with Piers Morgan that aired this week, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner aired harsh criticism of both Manchester United’s owners, the Glazers, and manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo was critical of his former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville while also acknowledging that he felt “betrayed” by the Old Trafford club.
The Portugal star’s remarks regarding his friendship with longtime foe Messi also generated controversy.
The Greatest of all-time debate
Cristiano Ronaldo has named the player he considers to be the greatest of all time, alongside himself and Lionel Messi.
When Morgan questioned the Portugal star about the best player he had ever seen, excluding himself, Ronaldo responded, “Probably [Messi], yes.
“Him [and] Zidane probably – that I have played and fought with.”
Without a doubt, Zidane is a modern-era great. Ronaldo and the former France international are close friends because he led the forward to three straight Champions League victories while playing for Real Madrid.
What Ronaldo said about Messi
The last 15 years of European football have been dominated by Ronaldo and Messi, who throughout their careers have faced off fiercely for individual accolades and club trophies.
The pair are regarded as two of football’s all-time greats, with many people believing that they share the title of game’s greatest player (GOAT). It has also long been assumed that the two are not friendly with one another.
But Ronaldo argued that this wasn’t the case and that their relationship is more akin to that of a teammate.
Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “Amazing player, he is magic,”
“As a person, we share the stage 16 years, imagine, 16 years. we share.
“So, I have a great relationship with him. I’m not a friend of his in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone, no, but it’s like a team-mate.
“He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they’re from Argentina.
“My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”
