30 May 2023 , 08:22
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Jorge Mendes insists he is still "close" with former client Cristiano Ronaldo following their split earlier this year.
Ronaldo, 38, had been represented by Mendes for the majority of his illustrious career, but it was reported that the duo fell out last summer after the striker demanded his agent secure a blockbuster switch to Bayern Munich or Chelsea after becoming disillusioned with life at Manchester United.
Although that failed to materialise, Ronaldo did eventually get his wish and left United by mutual consent in November. But by that point, though, the veteran's relationship with Mendes was in tatters following the bombshell interview he conducted with Piers Morgan shortly before leaving Old Trafford - a decision that was not supported by Mendes.
An official parting of the ways soon followed in the weeks after Ronaldo's move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr; a move which was not negotiated by Mendes. But there appears to be no hard feelings from the super agent, who told reporters that has a "great personal relationship" with Ronaldo.
He was coy, though, when he was asked about Ronaldo's current situation after the striker was criticised for quitting Manchester United to move the Middle East. Mendes said: "How do I see this phase of his life? Cristiano will always be in my heart.
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"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."
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Mendes insists that he and Ronaldo are still close (Getty Images)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.
"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."
Ronaldo's first season at Al-Nassr ended in disappointment last week as his side ended the season trophyless after missing out on winning the Saudi Pro League.