The end of Cristiano Ronaldo's career is becoming a peculiar spectacle. The longer it drags out, the more he seems to diminish his own legend.

In contrast to Lionel Messi, who bowed out of international football this month after reaching one last World Cup final with Argentina, the Portuguese forward continues to believe in his ability to belong right at the very top.

Ronaldo recently fell out with new international manager Jorge Jesus over a lack of game time, with the incident leading to a rather explosive statement from the 41-year-old. Having walked away from the Portugal camp early, he also fanned the flames by liking a post on social media which was critical of his teammates.

The Al-Nassr star has swiftly made headlines again this week with his comments causing quite a stir.

Ronaldo Claimed He is 'The Best in History'

CNN Portugal shared an interview with Ronaldo in which he made some typically bold comments. The veteran striker defended his status within the game, claiming (via The Athletic):

“The best in history is me, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves. If I get there (to 1,000 goals), it is amazing, an objective, but I don’t think long-term.”

It's a strong claim, as many would suggest that Messi, as well as older icons like Pele and Diego Maradona, are viewed as being superior footballers – especially as those three all managed to win the World Cup. Even so, Ronaldo doubled down on his position. He is reported to have added:

“People are not valuing the form I am in, my goals.”

As per Mundo Deportivo, CNN Portugal then deleted several excerpts from the interview hours after publishing. However, this isn't because Ronaldo said anything that was deemed to be too controversial, but instead it was simply due to the quotes being old.

Outlets like The Athletic picked up the quotes, believing them to be new. But the remarks were actually made in 2025, coming from an interview with Ronaldo's friend Edu Aguirre for Spanish television network La Sexta.

Ronaldo's Intends to Continue Portugal Career Despite Recent Drama

In the same interview, he said of his retirement plans: "I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe one day I’ll wake up and lose my motivation and won’t want to play anymore. I really don’t know what could happen.”

It's interesting now that, over a year on from the quotes, it remains unclear when Ronaldo will hang up his boots. He has said that the 2026 World Cup would be his last attempt at winning that competition, so many expected him to retire from international football this summer.

But even after falling out with new boss Jesus, the 41-year-old doesn't appear ready to quit Portugal just yet. He said in a recent statement: "If I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team."

Ronaldo has only been provisionally suspended for his actions, while Portugal boss Jesus has said the player is welcome back: "If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team. We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide."