Cristiano Ronaldo has never been shy about speaking his mind, and in a recent interview, he once again made headlines with his bold statements. He addressed his place in football history, his relationship with Lionel Messi, his departure from Real Madrid, and his views on Ballon d’Or, former coaches, and young talents like Kylian Mbappé. Here’s a detailed look at his most striking revelations.
Ronaldo on His Legacy: “I Am the Best Ever”
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Ronaldo firmly stated that he considers himself the greatest footballer of all time. “I am the most complete football player ever,” he said, adding that while he respects legends like Messi, Maradona, and Pelé, he does not believe any of them surpass him. With 923 goals in 1,261 official matches, he remains the highest goal scorer in history. “If I finish with 920, 925… it doesn’t matter. I am the best in history. Period.”
Chasing 1,000 Goals – Does It Matter?
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Many wonder if Ronaldo is chasing the 1,000-goal milestone, but he insists it is not his main focus. Though it remains a possibility, he claims it would not change how he sees himself or his legacy. “People talk about 1,000 goals, but if I stop at 920, what difference does it make? I’ve done it all,” he explained. For Ronaldo, his dominance and consistency over two decades matter more than a specific number.
Despite winning five Ballon d’Or awards, Ronaldo questioned the award’s credibility. He stated that Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior deserved to win the most recent edition but suggested that political factors influence the voting process. “I have learned to live with it,” he admitted, implying that while individual awards are nice, they do not define his greatness.
For years, Ronaldo and Messi were considered the two greatest players in the world, competing for trophies and records. However, Ronaldo insists that their rivalry is “over” and that there was never any personal tension. “We always respected each other,” he explained, emphasizing that their battles were purely professional.
A Good Relationship With Messi
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Not only does Ronaldo believe their rivalry has ended, but he also claims they have a good relationship. He shared a humorous moment when he acted as a translator for Messi at an award ceremony, showcasing the camaraderie between the two superstars. While Messi has won more Ballon d’Or titles and club trophies, Ronaldo takes pride in being the top goal scorer between them.
Why Ronaldo Almost Signed With Barcelona
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One of the most surprising revelations was that Ronaldo could have joined Barcelona early in his career. While at Sporting CP, there was an opportunity to sign for the Catalan club, but it never materialized. Instead, he moved to Manchester United, a decision he believes was meant to be. Had he joined Barcelona, the landscape of football history—and his rivalry with Messi—could have looked very different.
Why He Loved Scoring at Camp Nou
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Despite becoming a Real Madrid legend, Ronaldo admitted that scoring at Camp Nou was more satisfying than scoring at the Bernabéu. He loved silencing the Barcelona crowd and found those moments more thrilling. “I enjoyed scoring there more. It’s always special to win on enemy territory,” he said. His competitive nature thrived in these intense clashes.
Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid in 2018 shocked many, but he now reveals that he felt it was time to move on. “I knew my time there was over,” he said, adding that he needed a new challenge. His relationship with club president Florentino Pérez remained professional, and there was no bad blood between them. Moving to Juventus was part of his desire to prove himself in a new league.
The Role of Florentino Pérez in His Exit
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Although Ronaldo says he left Real Madrid on good terms, he hinted that Florentino Pérez was willing to let him go. He felt that the club no longer valued him the same way they once did. “You can feel when a club no longer fights to keep you,” he noted. Despite this, he has no regrets about his decision to leave.
His Harsh Criticism of Former Coaches
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Ronaldo did not hold back when discussing his experiences with past managers. “I have had some really bad managers. Some of them don’t know anything about football,” he said bluntly. While he did not mention specific names, he has previously had public conflicts with figures like Erik ten Hag during his time at Manchester United. His comments suggest that not all of his managers met his high expectations.
Advice for Kylian Mbappé
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Ronaldo also shared his thoughts on Kylian Mbappé’s development, acknowledging his talent but stating that he is not yet a complete striker. “If he were at Real Madrid, I would teach him how to play as a number nine,” Ronaldo said. He sees potential in Mbappé but believes he still has room to improve, particularly in his positioning and goal-scoring instincts.
Beyond records, trophies, and rivalries, Ronaldo hopes to be remembered for his impact on the game and his relentless pursuit of greatness. He insists that his work ethic and longevity separate him from others. “Nobody has been at the top for as long as I have. I have maintained this level for 20 years,” he stated. For Ronaldo, his influence on future generations matters just as much as his personal achievements.
