Brazilian legend Ronaldo has revealed his list of the greatest footballers in history - and it doesn't include Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United star has had a turbulent period recently after he refused to come on for the Red Devils against Spurs and was subsequently sent to train with the U21 squad.
And things aren't getting any better for the Portuguese forward, after his namesake - Ronaldo Nazario - excluded him from his list of football greats.
Speaking to The Guardian, the Brazilian icon was asked who was greater out of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, to which he replied: 'That's unfair. I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, [Johan] Cruyff, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Pelé, [Marco] van Basten, Ronaldinho.'
'I would include myself. Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can't rank them, can't compare generations.'
There was no space for Man United's Ronaldo on the list however the Brazilian star did make reference to him shortly after.
'People call me Original Ronaldo but, bloody hell, there were others – and they weren't false. I'm not the only one and more will come along and be better than me, in everything,' he said.
Ronaldo Nazario, 46, scored 352 goals across 518 games in his impressive career that spanned nearly two decades before retiring in 2011.
The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker also spoke on PSG star Neymar and insisted his compatriot's personal life has influenced his perception on the pitch.
Ronaldo said: 'People love him a lot. If we talk specifically about football, I doubt there's anyone who doesn't love him.
'His private life transcends football but I'm not interested. He's daring, has skill, variety, is quick, scores goals, has personality.
'You could compare him to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even though they're from a different planet. On the pitch Neymar is one [thing], then people mix in all the other stuff.'
It's the latest hit that the Portuguese Ronaldo has taken given his difficult week at Manchester United.
Today, Erik ten Hag will hold clear-the-air talks with Ronaldo in the hope of drawing a line under his fall-out with the Manchester United star.
The 37-year-old was banished from first-team training and axed from the squad for after refusing to come on as a substitute in last week's win over Tottenham and then leaving Old Trafford before full-time.
Ten Hag wants to speak to Ronaldo to make sure he has seen the error of his ways before re-integrating the 37-year-old.
Cocdkmryz
472
The only Ronaldo the world know is CR7🐐
FootballKingCR7
391
You can hate CR7 for his arrogance, childish or boastful attitude, but you can't deny his greatness.
epjo
235
hate him the way you like but he is the GOAT NAPOLI will sign hm and UCL will be on the way to NAPOLEON
helkath
224
He's not happy for losing his name to Cristiano. Since Cristiano came in to picture, no one knows the brazillian anymore. In fact, you have to refer to him as the Brazilian Ronaldo before people will know you where talking about him. How can a sane man omit a guy that has broken literally almost every records in football and, ended setting a record that would be broken after millennial? He's obviously jealous!
NkaluboAshiraf
166
unless you don't watch football, but sincerely comparing christiano to Messi it's arobbery of the century. I really know my goat
SpencerArsenal
143
I’m not surprise of your hate for CR7 because he’s greater than you. Ronaldo is his name, you both play for Real Madrid and sadly CR7 buried your existence lol 😂
DonJB
11
unless you don't watch football, but sincerely comparing christiano to Messi it's arobbery of the century. I really know my goat
[image]
No player could compared to Messi in any generation, Messi is a GOAT of GOATs
Pebipryz
11
You can hate CR7 for his arrogance, childish or boastful attitude, but you can't deny his greatness.
ya at the same time u can admire his greatness but u can't deny his selfishness arrogance n childish trash talk 😂.. sarcasm .. hope u understand