Cristiano Ronaldo declares himself the GOAT ahead of Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona & Pele as Al-Nassr poster boy accuses his critics of 'lying'

Debate regarding who can be considered the greatest player of all-time continues to rage. Ronaldo’s exploits have put him in that conversation alongside eternal rival Messi, 1986 World Cup winner Maradona and Brazil icon Pele.

Ronaldo has five Ballons d’Or and countless major honours to his name, along with an impressive haul of records, and believes that he is more complete than Argentine superstar Messi – who has eight Golden Balls – and legendary forwards Maradona and Pele.

CR7 has told La Sexta when asked for his take on the GOAT discussion: “I think I'm the most complete player there has ever been. That's my opinion. It could be a question of taste but I think it's me. I do everything in football. I head well, I take set pieces well, I shoot well with my left foot, I'm fast, I'm strong, I jump.

“Taste is one thing, saying this, that or that, whether you prefer Messi, Pele or Maradona, I hear it and I respect it but to say that Cristiano isn't complete is a lie. I'm the most complete. I don't see anyone better than me and I tell you that with all my heart.”

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Ronaldo, who is still going strong as he prepares to turn 40, is the most prolific goalscorer that world football has ever seen. He considers that to put him at the top of the pile, with the evergreen frontman adding: “Even if I score 920, 925 or 930 goals, the best in history is me. Period.”

Ronaldo intends to reach 1,000 goals before hanging up his boots, with remarkable standards being maintained with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. He also remains the talismanic captain of his country, with the target being found on 135 occasions through 217 appearances for Portugal.