Cristiano Ronaldo: 'People like Messi, Maradona or Pele but I'm the best player in football history'

Cristiano Ronaldo labels himself as 'best player in football history'

Cristiano Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest modern day footballers and boasts of an unmatched legacy. The talismanic footballer is still going strong at the age of 39 and plies his trade for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. In addition he is also an integral part of the Portugal national team and has 135 international goals under his name - the most by any player.

While Ronaldo's staggering records speaks volume of his talent, his biggest contemporary Lionel Messi is regarded by many as better than the Portuguese. While the question still looms large among fans of both the players, Ronaldo in an interview with Spanish media outlet LaSexta TV claimed him as the "best player in football history".

"I think I'm the most complete football player that has ever existed. People could like Messi, Maradona or Pele, and I respect it, but I'm the most complete. I'm the best player in football history. I haven't seen anyone better than me in football history and I'm saying truth from my heart," said the Portuguese.

Ronaldo on what makes him better than rest

Ronaldo outlined the reasons behind the same and further stated: "There are some things that don't make sense. What does a goal scorer mean? It's someone who puts the ball in the goal. I think I'm the most complete player that has ever existed. I do everything in football. I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I have a left foot, a right foot, I'm strong."

Relationship with Lionel Messi

Ronaldo during the interaction also detailed his relationship with Messi. Both players were once part of fiercest rivalry, which reduced after Ronaldo departed from Madrid to Turin. Before the switch the two used to represent arch rivals in La Liga, with the Portuguese part of Los Blancos (Real Madrid), while the Argentine used to play for the Blaugrana (Barcelona).

"I've never had a bad relationship with Messi. We've shared 15 years of awards, and we've always gotten along well. I remember that I used to translate English for him, and it was very funny," said Ronaldo. "He defended his club and I mine, and his national team and I mine. I think we gave each other feedback. There were years when he wanted to play everything, and so did I. It was a healthy fight," he added.

After Ronaldo's move from Real Madrid, the Portuguese joined Juventus and boyhood club Manchester United. However, after an explosive interview, Ronaldo parted ways from the Red Devils and joined Al-Nassr, which attracted many Europeans to the oil-rich nation.

Messi, on the other hand, joined Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona. He now plays for Inter Miami in the USA, where he is joined by former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.