Following their split earlier this year, Jorge Mendes has revealed that he is still “close” with former client, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been represented by Mendes for the most of his stellar career. However, it was said that the two had a falling out last summer when the striker demanded that his agent facilitate a mega-swap to Bayern Munich or Chelsea after growing disenchanted with life at Manchester United.
Even though that didn’t happen, Ronaldo did finally achieve his desire and departed United in November by mutual consent.
The veteran’s relationship with Mendes, however, had already soured by that point as a result of the explosive interview he gave to Piers Morgan just before departing Old Trafford, an action that Mendes did not approve of.
In the weeks that followed Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr—a move that Mendes did not negotiate—an official severing of ties occurred between them.
What Caused The Split Between Ronaldo And Mendes?
However, the super agent, who told reporters that he has a “great personal relationship” with Ronaldo, seems to be free of resentment.
When questioned about Ronaldo’s present circumstances after the striker was criticized for leaving Manchester United to relocate to the Middle East, he was, nevertheless, cautious.
“How do I see this phase of his life?” Mendes remarked. “Cristiano will always be in my heart.
“He is a special player and a special person for me. If I, a few years ago, thought that I could have a player with half the value of Cristiano, I would sign for less! And all of us Portuguese should be proud to have had and still have a player like him.
“I’ve always said it and I’ll say it all my life: he was and is the best player in the entire history of world football! I don’t have the slightest doubt, even compared to others.”
Mendes went on to insist that Ronaldo will “always” be the best footballer in the history of the game. He added: “You have to see what he managed to do. Football is goals! There’s a lot of strength there and a lot of work too.
Trending Stories: Napoli Boss Luciano Spalletti Takes Leave From Football
“He’s an example for young people and he’s done everything a great professional would have to do. Because he’s the best of them all! But it is also true that he was a virtuous player when he was young.
“You were talking about Ronaldinho Gaucho and Messi, but when he was young, Cristiano was also virtuous!
“And strong in the ‘one on one’, and explosive! Cristiano has turned into a machine! Many people never really thought about that growth process that led him, in fact, to be the best in history.
“And for me, he will always be the best in history.”
COMMENTS