Mourinho describes Barca legend as best ever

With the world under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, every now and then the topic about the best player in the world comes up with fans and experts reminiscing great players from the past and recent performances from the current era. Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho also had his say on who he thinks is the best during an interview with Live Score.

Asked which of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo he would pick, Mourinho replied: "I will pick another."

It might come as a surprise that the Portuguese didn't choose Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he managed whilst at Real Madrid, but nor did he choose Lionel Messi. The player that Mourinho believes is the best to have ever played the game is Ronaldo 'El Fenomino' Nazario.

"When I was in Barcelona with Bobby Robson, I realised that Ronaldo was the best player I have ever seen in my life," he said.

"Ronaldo, the phenomenon. Cristiano and Leo Messi had longer careers, they stayed on top every day for 15 years. But if we talk strictly about talent and ability, nobody beats the Brazilian.

"The injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible , but the talent that the 19-year-old had was something incredible."

During the only season Ronaldo played for Barca, he scored 47 goals in 49 games with 34 goals in 37 La Liga matches as Barca won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Copa Del Rey and Spanish Supercup that season. Ronaldo held the record for the most number of La Liga goals in a single season until Lionel Messi matched the record in 2009/09 season.