Rio Ferdinand claims Cristiano Ronaldo is 'disrespected on a regular basis' as he defends ex-Man Utd team-mate naming himself the GOAT ahead of Lionel Messi

As someone that has never lacked self confidence, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has billed himself as the greatest player of all-time. He considers himself to be more “complete” than fellow icons such as Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.

Ronaldo boasts the numbers to support those claims, with countless major honours and entries in the history books to his name, but has faced criticism from some for giving himself top billing. Former team-mate Ferdinand cannot understand why anyone would question CR7.

Using enigmatic Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an example of how bold statements can often be applauded, the ex-United defender has told his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast: “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 top scorer of his team for the last 18 years. Since 2007 probably, he’s been top scorer for every team he played in. Just let that sink in. It’s unbelievable. Ronaldo is disrespected on a regular basis.”

Ronaldo helped United to Premier League and Champions League titles during his first stint at Old Trafford, while also claiming his first Ballon d’Or. He is now Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, a Serie A champion with Juventus and a man maintaining remarkable standards at 40 years of age with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.