28 October 2023 , 00:10
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Tyson Fury made it known who he feels is the greatest footballer of all time as he met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
In a clip posted to X before his fight with Francis Ngannou this weekend, Fury was spotted chatting with former Manchester United and Real Madrid captain Cristiano Ronaldo, making it abundantly clear what he thinks about the long-standing debate over him and Lionel Messi.
"Cristiano, you're the greatest footballer that's ever lived and I mean that," Fury told Ronaldo as they sat next to each other in Riyadh.
"Thank you very much," Ronaldo said smiling, as he leaned in to dap up the WBC heavyweight champion.
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Fury continued with his praises for the 38-year-old Portuguese forward.
"I'm a big fan, I watch all the football," Fury added. "I watched you when you was at United the first time, the second time, all of Real Madrid."
With Fury being a Manchester United fan, it makes sense why the "Gypsy King" would be a big fan of Ronaldo, considering all the success he had playing at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC gestures during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al Nassr and Damac Club at Al Awal Park Stadium at King Saud University on October 21, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images) (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images) Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest footballer of all time? Have your say in the comments section.
Nowadays, Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, with the club playing its home games in Riyadh, where Fury's next fight against Francis Ngannou is set to take place.
With just over two months remaining in the year, Ronaldo has not shown any considerable signs of slowing down, despite his advanced age. The 38-year-old has 43 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances for club and country in 2023. For Al-Nassr specifically, he netted 34 goals, among the leaders in the world, with nine assists in 38 appearances this year.
He, essentially, produced at the same level as Manchester City star Erling Haaland, except in different leagues and competitions.
For context, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's closest contemporary in terms of accolades, has 28 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances for club and country this year. In 36 appearances for PSG and Inter Miami, the 36-year-old scored 20 goals and had 11 assists.
Though Ronaldo is not the same player he once was in his younger years, it's still awe-inspiring to see him continue to put out highlights as only the five-time Ballon d'Or winner can. While some might argue who the greatest footballer of all time is, it's clear Fury has his mind made up.