RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Mourinho: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Over-Rated
The infamous Inter coach has responded to Sir Alex Ferguson's comparisons between Ronaldo and all-time greats Pele and Diego Maradona, claiming that the United ace is over-rated.
Dec 21, 2008 1:58:43 PM
Earlier this month, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned as European Footballer of the Year, following an unforgettable club year with Manchester United, where he won the the Premier League, Champions League, and finished the 2007/08 season with 42 goals to claim the European Golden Boot.
However, the Portuguese has always divided opinion, with many people claiming that he fails to perform in big games, against better opponents in the crunch matches.
Yesterday, his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson compared Ronaldo to footballing greats Diego Maradona and Pele, but Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex and indeed Ronaldo's rival during his time in charge of Chelsea, has laughed off the comparisons.
“Ronaldo is a good player, but he is not the best in the world," 'The Special One' told Simona Ventura on RAIDUE show ‘Quelli Che il Calcio'.
"He deserved the Ballon d’Or this year because his club side won the Champions League, the Premier League and he scored many goals."
Mourinho then stressed though that Ronaldo could not be placed in the same class category as Lionel Messi, Kaka and his own star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“When I think of how a player should be, I think of Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi [not Ronaldo]," he explained.
“Messi is a phenomenon, but in my opinion, Ibrahimovic is the best.”
Mourinho then spoke about his concerns over whether troubled Brazilian striker Adriano will ever find his best form again, but it is his remarks concerning Ronaldo that have grabbed the headlines.
Inter take on Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 in February, and Ronaldo will be under pressure to prove Mourinho wrong.
-- Anthony Sormani, Goal.com
However, the Portuguese has always divided opinion, with many people claiming that he fails to perform in big games, against better opponents in the crunch matches.
Yesterday, his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson compared Ronaldo to footballing greats Diego Maradona and Pele, but Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex and indeed Ronaldo's rival during his time in charge of Chelsea, has laughed off the comparisons.
“Ronaldo is a good player, but he is not the best in the world," 'The Special One' told Simona Ventura on RAIDUE show ‘Quelli Che il Calcio'.
"He deserved the Ballon d’Or this year because his club side won the Champions League, the Premier League and he scored many goals."
Mourinho then stressed though that Ronaldo could not be placed in the same class category as Lionel Messi, Kaka and his own star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“When I think of how a player should be, I think of Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi [not Ronaldo]," he explained.
“Messi is a phenomenon, but in my opinion, Ibrahimovic is the best.”
Mourinho then spoke about his concerns over whether troubled Brazilian striker Adriano will ever find his best form again, but it is his remarks concerning Ronaldo that have grabbed the headlines.
Inter take on Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 in February, and Ronaldo will be under pressure to prove Mourinho wrong.
-- Anthony Sormani, Goal.com
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
90 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
ROSANO: Mexican soccer needs to address referee treatment
Nick Rosano argues that Mexico's continued officiating problems may have less to do with referees themselves and more to do with how they are treated by the federation.
-
VERTELNEY: MLS owners take to Twitter to spread their team's word
"Any time you tweet, it's a mini press conference," says Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.
-
ISOLA: Roma's De Rossi smart to remain with one club for career
De Rossi has a chance to build a lasting legacy at Roma similar to NBA veterans Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, who have never switched teams.
-
EVANS: Five England players who could be captain at Euro2012
The Three Lions' armband is on the move again...
-
RANKINGS: Torres breaks into the top 10 as Altidore drops out
The Pachuca midfielder is back on form, and with many of the USA's top players struggling, he breaks into the top 10.
Advertisement
Advertisement