Karim Benzema omits Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in his list of the greatest players in football.

 

Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has excluded Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi from the long-running discussion about the greatest footballer ever.

 

 

In an interview with El Chiringuito in Spain earlier this month, Ronaldo unequivocally declared himself the GOAT.

 

 

The 40-year-old, who has amassed a remarkable 923 career goals, asserted that 'I honestly haven't observed anyone better than me. You have to look at the numbers full stop.

 

'I believe I am the most complete player who has ever existed. It's me.

 

'I do everything in football. I play well in terms of heading the ball, I'm good at free-kicks, I'm good with my left foot, I'm quick, I'm strong, I jump.

 

‘I am the best player ever, I believe that.’

 

Karim Benzema, who spent nine seasons with the Portuguese at Real Madrid, has been included in the discussion.

 

 

The Al Ittihad striker believes that Ronaldo, a Brazilian, is the greatest footballer of all time.

 

'I think everyone can say what they want,' Benzema told TNT Sports.

 

'If he thinks he is the best in history, then he is. It depends, for me, for example, the best is Ronaldo from Brazil.'

 

 

Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 matches for Brazil and 104 for Real Madrid during his five-year spell at the European champions.

 

'I don't like to make comparisons between players, each one has their own story, he [Cristiano] has his own and it's a very good one,' Benzema added.