Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is “the most complete player to have existed,” saying he respects fans who prefer Lionel Messi, Pelé or Diego Maradona, but arguing that statistics back up his claim.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 39, has broken a host of records during his career and is the highest men’s goalscorer in football history with 923 goals, the latest coming in a brace in Al Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League win over Al Wasl on Monday.
Ronaldo faced constant comparisons with Messi throughout his career, as both battled to be recognised as the best player on the planet.
“I’m talking about numbers,” Ronaldo said. “I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.
“One thing is taste — if you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that — but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete… I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
At 39, Ronaldo still isn’t contemplating retirement from club or international football.
