Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly declared himself the "greatest of all time," making the assertion in a recent interview with CNN Portugal. This confident statement comes just days after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) provisionally suspended him for an unauthorized departure from the national team camp.
Ronaldo's Claim to GOAT Status
During the interview, the 41-year-old forward emphasized that his formidable record and current form are not receiving due recognition. "The best in history is me, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves," Ronaldo stated, dismissing the idea that reaching 1,000 career goals would define his legacy, despite being only 20 goals shy of the milestone.
His declaration has inevitably intensified the long-standing debate over football's greatest player, with Argentina's Lionel Messi often cited as his primary rival in this discussion. While Ronaldo's goalscoring and longevity offer a compelling argument, comparisons with Messi often highlight different aspects of their illustrious careers.
Details of the Portugal Suspension
The FPF initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo on October 9, classifying the matter as urgent, after he left the Portugal camp during the international break. The incident followed Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27, where Ronaldo was an unused substitute.
Ronaldo claimed that head coach Jorge Jesus had "broken his word" by asking him to warm up but then failing to bring him onto the pitch. Despite his accusations against the coach, Ronaldo later issued an apology to his Portugal teammates and accepted responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that he deserved to be punished for his departure.
Future with the National Team
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo made it clear that he has no intentions of retiring from international football, expressing a desire to play "one or more farewell matches" for his country. He remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
While awaiting the outcome of the FPF's confidential investigation, Ronaldo will continue his pursuit of 1,000 career goals with his club, Al-Nassr. Despite the controversy surrounding his suspension, his conviction remains unwavering: "I am the best in history, period," he reiterated.