Undoubtedly one of the greatest football players in history, Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has shared some shocking details about his time in Europe.
In an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito, Ronaldo opened up on his early days as a footballer and how he was on the verge of joining Barcelona.
“I could have signed for Barça when I was playing for Sporting Lisbon,” Ronaldo told El Chiringuito.
Ronaldo was scouted by top clubs across Europe during his time at Sporting Lisbon but the Portuguese ended up at Manchester United.
” I was with someone from the club and they wanted to sign me, but it didn’t happen. They wanted to sign me that year and join them the following year. But Manchester wanted me for that year,” he said.
Ronaldo was then asked about his opinion on the best player in the history of football debate.
Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry is regarded as the biggest in football history (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
While the Portuguese did acknowledge Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, he did not hesitate in calling himself the best to ever grace the beautiful game.
“People could like Messi or Maradona, and I respect it, but I’m the most complete. I am the best player in history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me. I’m good with the headers, I’m a good free-kick taker, I’m quick, I’m strong, I jump a lot,” he said.
Ronaldo, though, admitted that he doesn’t have any hard feelings with Messi and in fact, shares a good relationship with the Argentine.
“I have a very good relationship with Messi, I once acted as a translator at some awards. He always treated me well. Hopefully, we’ll see our numbers again, but I see it as very difficult,” he concluded.
