Ronaldo interview removed after controversial remarks

Ronaldo’s interview was removed after controversial remarks. The Portugal captain said he considers himself the greatest footballer in history and believes his goals have not received the recognition they deserve.

Among the excerpts published by The Athletic was this statement Ronaldo made to CNN Portugal: “People don’t give the level I offer and my goals the recognition they deserve.” Asked whether he was aiming for 1,000 goals, he also played down the importance of the number: “Things have to happen naturally. If I score 920 goals, or 925, or 930, I’m the greatest player in history, and that’s it.”

Ronaldo nevertheless acknowledged that reaching 1,000 goals was a target: “The numbers speak for themselves. If I reach that figure, 1,000 goals, it will be something incredible and a goal I’m trying to achieve, but I don’t think long term.”

On what lies ahead in his career, he stressed the uncertainty: “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe one day I’ll wake up and lose my motivation, and no longer want to play; I really don’t know what could happen.” CNN removed the text of the interview a few hours later.