"My honesty pushes me to say that" - Journalist snubs Cristiano Ronaldo, names 3 other players who he'd pay 'most' money to watch play

Journalist Bertrand Latour has snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo for his list of three players he would pay the most money to watch. He picked the Portuguese legend's former teammate, along with two former Barcelona superstars, on his list.

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, if not the best. He has scored the most goals in men's football, with 950 for his clubs and country. He has also won five Ballons d'Or, only behind Lionel Messi, who won eight.

However, French journalist Bertrand Latour has snubbed him for his Top 3 players he will play the most money to watch. He picked Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Karim Benzema for his list, and said on Aliotalk:

"I see him more as a scoring machine, a little cold. I don’t have any crazy emotion seeing him play in reality. I obviously admire his entire career, his longevity, his talent, his strength of character, everything. It's incredible. But my honesty pushes me to say that Ronaldo is not one of the three for whom I pay the most. Messi, Neymar and Benzema 'prime', they are the ones I pay the most for."

All four players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, are still active despite being in the twilight of their careers.

Former Manchester United defender hails Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOAT

Danny Simpson believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time over Lionel Messi. The former Manchester United right-back highlighted how the Portugal captain has adapted to numerous different leagues and positions over the years.

Simpson told GOAL:

"That’s the best thing about Ronaldo, he adapts. He adapted at 18/19, he adapted at Real Madrid, he adapted Juve. He’s always adapting. He’s adapting now in Saudi, he’s adapted with Portugal. That’s why, for me, he is the best player in the world.

"I don’t think - no offence to Messi, he’s an unbelievable talent, but he’s never really had to adapt all these different parts of his game. Ronaldo, when he first came [to United], couldn’t head the ball! Now he’s probably the best header in the world - up there as a No.9. Honestly, it was a joy to be around him for a few years and see what he’s gone on to do."

Cristiano Ronaldo has played in five different countries at the club level, while Lionel Messi has featured in three.

About the author

Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 4 years. He boasts a total experience of over 7 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya's journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur's front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect's with the club's underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda 'Long-form Editor of the Month' award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric's elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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Edited by Aditya Singh