AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho has finally given his opinion on the never-ending debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not the best players he has ever seen.
The legendary tactician has bestowed that honour on Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario.
The Roma boss worked with Ronaldo during his single season at Barcelona, helping Sir Bobby Robson's side win the Copa del Rey, Cup Winners' Cup, and Supercopa de Espana.
Ronaldo was on fire for Barcelona in that one season in LaLiga, scoring 47 goals in 49 games and winning the Ballon d'Or.
16:39 - 15.11.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo: Al Nassr forward ranked third-best player in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo's form counted for Al Nassr was not enough to see him at the top of the list of performing players in the Saudi Pro League.
Mourinho on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Asked which of Ronaldo or Messi was the best ever, Mourinho gave a different response.
Speaking to LiveScore, via Corriere dello Sport, he said:
"The best football player that I have ever seen on a pitch.
"I think injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible But that talent this guy had at 19 years old was something incredible."
The 59-year-old added: "Not with a career like Cristiano or Messi, 15 years at the top - every day but he was a natural talent, incredible."
Lionel Messi and Ronaldo are approaching the end of their careers but will go down as two of the greatest sportsmen of all time.
Related content
09:55 - 08.12.2023
Argentina coach Snubs Lionel Messi, Maradona, settles GOAT debate
The GOAT debate continues and Lionel Messi's countryman has surprisingly snubbed the World Cup winner with his pick.
19:18 - 07.12.2023
'If he keeps doing what he's doing, then why not' - Rooney tips Bellingham for next Ballon d'Or winner after Messi
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney sees a bright future for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, even predicting the young Englishman could win the Ballon d'Or one day.
16:51 - 07.12.2023
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami shirt listed as one of the top fashion items of 2023
The Lionel Messi impact continues on and off the pitch as Vogue has recognised the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner for his iconic no.10 shirt.
14:50 - 07.12.2023
End of GOAT debate: Messi wins prestigious award Ronaldo and other footballers have never won
Lionel Messi has possibly ended the long-running GOAT debate after winning an award no other footballer has ever won.