Rio Ferdinand has once again come to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after his former Manchester United teammate is “disrespected on a regular basis.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time and has had a prolific playing career at club level and on the international stage.
The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend is still playing for both club and country, despite turning 40 years old last week.
Ronaldo is at the tail end of his spell with Al Nassr and it remains unclear if the 40-year-old Portuguese forward will extend his future with the club.
The Al Nassr captain is still the skipper of Portugal and Ronaldo is tipped to represent his country at the next World Cup in 2026 in North America.
Ronaldo has been asked about retirement from football, but the former United superstar has ruled out calling it time on his legendary playing career.
Ferdinand on Ronaldo and ex-Man Utd star
Cristiano Ronaldo has often found himself in the so-called ‘GOAT’ debate alongside the likes of Argentina legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi and Brazil icon Pele.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t been shy to talk about his remarkable achievements in the sport and his illustrious legacy as a player.
Rio Ferdinand, who played alongside Ronaldo under Sir Alex Ferguson, has called out the hypocrisy when his former Manchester United teammate speaks out.
The 46-year-old United legend used ex-Red Devils striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an example where people ‘love’ his personality and character for his bold statements.
However, Ferdinand argued that Ronaldo is treated the exact opposite of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in some cases and can be called “arrogant” for his remarks.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Everyone champions Zlatan for saying stuff like that and goes, ‘Oh, what a guy, I love his personality and character.’ When Cristiano says it, they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s so arrogant. How could he say that?’
“If anyone is in a position to talk like that, it’s him. You know what’s crazy, he’s been [the] top scorer of his team for the last 18 years.
“Since 2007 probably, he’s been [the] top scorer for every team he played in. Just let that sink in. It’s unbelievable. Ronaldo is disrespected on a regular basis.”
What did Man Utd legend Ronaldo say?
Ferdinand’s defence for Ronaldo came after the former Juventus and Real Madrid player made his position clear on the GOAT debate in football.
Ronaldo made his feelings clear that he felt he is the “most complete player to have existed” ahead of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele.
“I’m talking about numbers,” he told Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones earlier this month.
“I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free-kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.
“One thing is taste — if you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that — but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete […].
“I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
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