An iconic figure for Grêmio dismisses the notion that the Portuguese forward is the top player globally. Renato Gaúcho, when discussing Cristiano Ronaldo, had a candid reaction to the striker’s remarks.
Firm in his belief about the status of the greatest player of all time, since “the numbers speak for themselves,” the star was contradicted. Without hesitation, Renato Gaúcho assessed that within this context, he is “greater than history,” considering his superior performance compared to the Al-Nassr scorer.
“He’s a guy I admire. Played a lot. I even watched an interview where he claimed to be the greatest in history. So, I must be greater than history because I played more than him!” Renato Gaúcho declared on the Charla Podcast.
“I admire him a lot, but I think he went overboard. (Played) More than Pelé?” he added.
Comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo
Speaking with complete honesty, Renato Gaúcho’s comments about Cristiano Ronaldo were not made in jest. Performing in a different era, the Grêmio icon believes he is underrated by the younger generation.
“I don’t joke, I speak seriously. I played more than him […] Many people didn’t see me play. This younger crowd saw Cristiano Ronaldo,” he asserted.
Renato Gaúcho Suggests a “Decisive Match”
To settle the matter, Renato Gaúcho proposed a thought exercise. Facing numerous challenges in Brazilian football, the coach is curious about Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to achieve the same accomplishments without the “luxuries” of Europe, managing issues both on and off the field.
“First of all, he served as a role model for my players. I’ve always praised him. He and Messi are exceptional professionals. I’d like to see him play for the clubs I played for in Brazil, with delayed salaries, playing every three days, while I played at Real Madrid in his place, earning what he earns and alongside those he played with. We would see.”, he expressed.
