Cristiano Ronaldo Labelled As 'The Best Finisher Of All Time'

Cristiano Ronaldo is 'the best finisher of all time', according to former Juventus teammate Andrea Barzagli.

The Italian defender, who spent several months playing alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Turin before retiring in 2019, has praised Portugal's all-time top goalscorer for his hunger and "wickedness" in front of goal.

In an interview on Juventus' official Twitch account, Barzagli was full of praise for the 36-year-old forward.

He said: "The striker who put me in most difficulty? Ronaldo always scored against us so it was always very difficult with him. Didier Drogba also, a force of nature."

"Ronaldo? He is the best finisher of all time. He scores goals for you in all different ways. His goals record says it all. His wickedness and his hunger are incredible things."

He may be the best finisher of all time, according to Barzagli, but Ronaldo might not be the outright all-time leading goalscorer in football history, according to a new study.

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics has now released data on the world's all-time record goalscoring rankings.

And according to the IFFHS, Ronaldo was named the third-most prolific goalscorer when his goals for Portugal were removed.

That means the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is 28 goals shy from equalling the top goalscorer.

IFFHS

Barzagli, meanwhile, also spoke about Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo during the Twitch stream.

"Pirlo what wine is it? As a player a great French wine, from Bordeaux, where great wines are produced." he said.

"Pirlo was a great player. As a coach, I don't know. He has just started. He is doing smart things. I hope well for him. Andrea is perhaps the coach most envied by football fans and professionals.

"Pirlo as a coach? We met every now and then in Turin and I saw him very convinced that he wanted to be a coach.

"Everyone has his own path, we will see his. Chiellini what wine is it? A strong Amarone."

Thoughts on Barzagli's comments about Ronaldo? Is he the best finisher of all time?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Serie A, cr7, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_