Steven Gerrard sparks huge backlash for Cristiano Ronaldo comments as fans blast football legend
Football news: Steven Gerrard has been criticised for comments about Cristiano Ronaldo
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Steven Gerrard has been blasted by football fans for calling Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest of all time.
The former Liverpool skipper is currently managing Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, having been appointed earlier this year.
Gerrard chose to try a new challenge in the Middle East after a poor stint at Aston Villa, having previously worked wonders at Rangers.
Last year, the 43-year-old said Lionel Messi was the best footballer of all time.
Football news: Steven Gerrard has dubbed Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT over Lionel Messi
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Yet he's now changed his tune, instead dubbing Ronaldo the GOAT when asked for his personal preference.
"The arrival of ‘The GOAT’ as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January obviously was a huge signing," Gerrard told the Saudi Pro League.
"He still had a lot of football to offer.
"So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights.
"I think from that moment, the league around the world had become a very popular talking point for everyone.
"After Cristiano’s arrival, even more big-name signings, talents and skill sets were joining the league."
It comes after Gerrard had previously praised Messi, saying in 2022: "I think they’re both operating on a different planet to every footballer that’s ever lived, probably besides your Peles and your Maradonas.
"But Messi, for me, is more of a team player. If he’s in on goal, he’ll look for a pass as well as obviously posting really, really good numbers individually as well."
Football fans on X have now condemned Gerrard for changing his tune, while also suggesting he has no choice but to praise Ronaldo due to the fact they're both in Saudi together.
One user said: "Stevie G letting that sweet Saudi payday do the talking."
A second stated: "Can't believe Stevie G calls CR7 the goat now.
"Not long ago he said Messi > CR7. Seems, it's in his contract clause of Saudi League."
A third weighed in with: "Gerrard has also finally sold his honour for money. Sad."
A fourth said: "Don’t put words in his mouth! He probably got paid wicked money to say something like that."
"Gerrard has said in the past that Messi is the goat?" remarked another fan.
And a sixth criticised Gerrard by saying: "How much was he paid to say this?"
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is continuing to shine as he enters the twilight years of his glittering career.
The 38-year-old has bagged 22 goals from 23 matches in Saudi so far this season.
And he recently bagged his 128th international goal for Portugal in a 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
Speaking last month, Ronaldo was coy when quizzed on when he'd finally retire.
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Football news: Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard are both working in Saudi Arabia these days
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“Things have happened in my life, both on a personal and professional level, that make me think more in the short term nowadays," he said.
“People say I’m going to play on until I’m 40 or 41 years old. I don’t set these targets.
"It’s a question of just enjoying the moment, which is a good moment.
"I feel good. My body is responding to how I’ve treated it over the years.
"I’m happy both at my club and in the Selecao. I’ve scored plenty of goals, I feel in good shape physically. It’s a question of enjoying the moment.”