Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as he leaves the pitch at half time during a Group F match between Georgia and Portugal at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

MADRID— Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday with the same confidence and self-esteem as he has always boasted throughout his successful career.

Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid star who now plays in Saudi Arabia, will turn 40 on Wednesday and apparently has no doubt about who should be considered the best football player ever.

But the wind instrument is slowly growing silent as demand dwindles and machine-made bagpipes replace traditionally crafted ones, consigning their use to largely ceremonial occasions.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I am the greatest scorer in history,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta. “Although I am not left-footed, I am in the top 10 in history for goals scored with the left foot. These are numbers, I am the most complete player who has ever existed.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA: Scottie Thompson making his impact for Ginebra beyond points SPORTS Michael Jordan's son Marcus arrested on cocaine possession SPORTS Cone says Ginebra win over Bolts has little relevance in playoffs

READ: Ronaldo says retirement won’t be a ‘difficult decision’

jackpot party casino slots

“I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I am fast, I am strong, I jump… I have never seen anyone better than me.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The Portugal star holds most scoring records in men’s international soccer, including most appearances with 217 and most goals with 135.

Article continues after this advertisement

He had said it before, more than once, that he feels he will go out as the best ever in the history of soccer. Whenever he was asked about the discussion of who is better, him or Lionel Messi, he always praised the Argentine but ended siding with himself.

Article continues after this advertisement

Ronaldo’s most recent comments prompted a few reactions in the soccer world.

“I have a lot of respect for Cristiano and I don’t have to analyze his opinions. It’s what he thinks. I have my own thoughts and it isn’t that,” said Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi and his current coach at Inter Miami.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.cgebet

bw777 casino READ NEXT On eve of his 40th, Ronaldo says he is best football player ever NBA: LeBron calls Luka Doncic ‘my favorite player,’... EDITORS' PICK SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals Car owners may eventually have to pay fees to use Edsa, says Remulla Enzo Pineda, Romnick Samenta win best actor plums at Emirates Film Festival Chinese-named X accounts spread fake news to defend Dutertes – group Cabuyao university should clarify English-only policy – CHEd chair INQUIRER.net launches VotePH2025 special site MOST READ House impeaches VP Duterte, fast-tracking transmittal to Senate 153 House reps sign up for VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment DILG: Edsa bus lane may be removed, motorcycles to be allowed in bike lanes Car owners may eventually have to pay fees to use Edsa, says Remulla Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• Of
• on
• His
• cgebet
• eve