ITALY legend Christian Vieri has sensationally claimed that Brazilian Ronaldo was better than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two strikers will certainly go down in history as two of the best ever, terrorising defences throughout their careers.
Some might say Christian Vieri’s friendship with Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima has led to biasCredit: Instagram @christianvieriofficial
Vieri played with Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima during their time together at Inter Milan between 1997-2002.
So it could lead to some to say the 46-year-old Italian would favour his former team-mate.
Vieri has seen at close hand just how devasting Cristiano can be following the Portuguese star’s move to Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.
But for Vieri, himself a prolific striker back in the day, there is only one Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still at the top of his game for club and countryCredit: AFP or licensors
Speaking to the Daily Mail the 49-cap Italy international said: “I am a friend of Ronnie [Brazilian Ronaldo] and I was lucky enough to have him as a striker with me.
“He had it all. He was explosive, powerful and fast. He looked like a dancer, he seemed to dance with the ball.
“I say that Brazilian Ronaldo is better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”
But Vieri went on to admit the current version, CR7, finds playing football effortless and lauded his abilities.
He added: “CR7 is a war machine, he is admirable for everything he does and for all the things he continues to do.
“Cristiano can play up to 40 years with a cigarette between his lips, as they say in Italy. He has a sculptural physique.”
Christian Vieri says there is only one Ronaldo for him, and it’s the Brazilian versionCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
SunSport has looked at both player’s stats – and there isn’t much to separate the footballing greats.
Brazilian Ronaldo scored 326 goals in 462 club appearances throughout a career that included spells with Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Barcelona.
That gives him a club scoring ratio of 0.7 goals per game.
Cristiano, 35, wades in with 610 goals in 793 games, a ratio of 0.8 goals per game.
On the international stage Brazil Ronaldo chipped in with 62 goals in 98 for a 0.6 goals-per-game figure.
CR7’S 32 TROPHIES
That ratio is the same as CR7 who has scored 99 in 164 for Portugal.
But it’s current Juventus forward Ronaldo who streaks ahead where trophies are concerned.
He has secured an impressive THIRTY-TWO major trophies in his career, with Brazil Ronaldo lagging behind on 17.
But Samba star Ronaldo did win the World Cup twice with the South Americans.
And as far as the glittering prize of the Ballon d’Or, Brazil Ronaldo has won it twice but Portugal Ronaldo is on five and counting.
The one big difference between the two is how they have managed injury throughout their careers.
Portugal Ronaldo keeps himself in supreme physical shape with gruelling training routines.
But Brazil’s version, now aged 43, struggled with problems thoughout his career.
Watch ‘most expensive transfer of all time’ Ronaldo’s top 3 free kicks for Inter Milan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
