Portugal

I'm the best player of the last 20 years, boasts Cristiano

Published Jun. 10, 2016 10:59 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he has been the best footballer in the world over the last 20 years.

The 31-year-old has been the standout star of his generation alongside Lionel Messi, winning league titles in England and Spain as well as the Champions League twice with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United.

The Portugal international has won three Ballon d'Or titles - two less than Messi - and he believes his performances over the years separate him from anyone else over the last two decades, maintaining he can compete at the top level for much longer.

"Where would I rate myself amongst the top players of the last 20 years? Thinking positively, then I believe with what I've achieved, I'm the best of the lot," Ronaldo told Italian magazine Undici.

"The best athletes always influence their sport, so I think I've had an important impact. I can't say how much, but if you can run faster, jump higher than the rest, be consistently strong and agile, then you can make your talent as effective as it can be.

"I've worked hard to get to the highest level and I'll continue doing it to stay where I am. I maintain the same attitude and dedication in every single training session and in every match.

"I look after myself so I can keep making history in football well into the future."