After rumors of a complicated relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, the Portuguese boss put an end to such claims by praising his compatriot after his fifth Ballon D’Or win on Thursday night at Paris.
Mourinho spoke to France Football about his former player, and he surprised everyone by comparing Ronaldo to legends such as George Best, Maradona, Pelé and Lionel Messi.
“My kids never saw Pelé play, but they know who he is. Forty years from now, kids will know who Cristiano Ronaldo was. Those players I mentioned before and him will all be part of history, they are simply unclassifiable,” Mourinho stated.
The self-proclaimed Special One elaborated on his relationship with the fifth-time Ballon d’Or winner, admitting that for most of the time, it was strictly professional.
“Many things were written, and most of them were blown out of proportion. All I can say is that I hold no grudge against him, and I want to believe that he feels the same way, we had a good coach-player relationship,” Mourinho added.
Before the interview with France Football got concluded, Mourinho looked back at those three years when they worked together, stating the need for success they both shared.
“Our bond was strengthened by our desire to win trophies. I think that, during those three years, he became a better player and I became a better coach. We shared some great moments,” the Red Devils coach concluded.