The GOAT debate in football continues with Messi and Ronaldo. Steven Gerrard now calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘The GOAT’ in an interview in Saudi Arabia. It’s pretty surprising and funny that Gerrard called Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time one year back. He switched his statement within few months and he is now a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Steven Gerrard is the manager of the Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ettifaq. It’s obvious to have a discussion on Ronaldo who is playing for the rival club, Al Nassr in the Middle East. The former Premier League legend was talking about Ronaldo in a chat with the Saudi Pro League. Gerrard talked about Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League since their arrival last winter. He added a huge impact to this league.
The Ex-Liverpool legend took charge at Al Ettifaq in July. He has given a positive opinion of the league. Gerrard is impressed with the impact of the Saudi Pro League in the world. It generated huge attention in the last one year. He insisted that Ronaldo had started the trend of superstars heading to the Pro League.
Steven Gerrard said, “The arrival of the “GOAT” as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January. Obviously huge signing, still had a lot of football to offer. From a far, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results, watching some games, watching some highlights. I think from that moment, the league around the world became a very popular talking point for everyone.”
The Liverpool legend feels that Ronaldo is ‘The GOAT’ and this statement came just a year after he named Messi as the world’s GOAT player in a chat with Gary Neville. At that time, Gerrard was not part of the Saudi Pro League and he appeared in a show with Sky Bet in England. He was asked by former Man United star, Neville to pick his greatest player of all time. He replied: “Lionel Messi for me.”
Gerrard has played against Ronaldo during his time with Liverpool and the irony is he has also appeared against him as a manager. His side also beat Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League but Ronaldo settled the score by winning the next encounter. Cristiano Ronaldo is in great form in the Saudi Pro League. He has 13 goals and 7 assists in the top flight for Al Nassr.
Meanwhile, the debate between Messi and Ronaldo is older than Vine. Ronaldo currently takes the edge over Messi in goals. The Portuguese has scored 737 goals in 993 appearances. His 146 goals for his country are the highest in international football. Ronaldo has won 32 trophies and is also the highest goal-scorer in Champions League history. Messi also achieved big glories like the World Cup and the Ballon d’Or. It’s a never-ending debate between the two.
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