Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has had his say after Cristiano Ronaldo stressed he is the greatest player ever to play the game.
Last Thursday, Ronaldo was crowned the Ballon d'Or winner for the fifth time, moving level with Lionel Messi after an outstanding year.
And during an interview with France Football, the outlet responsible for the prestigious individual award, the 32-year old wasn't particularly modest, saying that nobody can do what he does, and that he's the greatest. Very Muhammad Ali-like comments indeed.
Image: PA
Advert
"I don't see anyone better than me," Ronaldo said.
"No player does things I cannot do myself but I see things others can't do. There's no more complete player than me. I'm the best player in history - in the good and the bad moments."
Such comments have led to all sorts of people connected in football to give their view on Ronaldo's quotes and who they think is the G.O.A.T, and Iniesta has weighed in.
The silky Spaniard, who has come up against Ronaldo on a plethora of occasions, praised the Portuguese superstar and acknowledged that everyone has different tastes, but, to the surprise of absolutely no-one, explained he will always view his teammate Messi as the best in the business.
Advert
"I don't know if they were exactly his [Ronaldo's] words," Iniesta told reporters, via Sport.
"Each person is free to their own opinions and feelings. A player at his level, with five Ballon d'Or, obviously he is among the best.
"From there, we all have our own preferences. Mine is clear. I'd go with my teammate, with Leo, for all that he's represented and still represents. But everyone has their own tastes.
"The winners of these awards are always fair, I don't think it's unfair that Ronaldo has won five.They're voted for. After that, every has their own preferences."
Advert
Nicely put, Andres. A class act on and off the pitch in every sense.
Image: PA
He's not the only representative from Barcelona to respond to CR7 though, as spokesman Josep Vives congratulated the Sporting CP youth product on his success but cheekily said that if you want to see the G.O.A.T in action, you head to the Nou Camp.
Advert
Respect to the Ballon d'Or and to Cristiano Ronaldo," he said at a recent press conference.
"We have always considered him a great player and a great competitor.
"But here at the Camp Nou, we can see the best player in history every 15 days, which is Messi."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid