Legendary Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi hails Brazil icon Ronaldo as the greatest centre-forward of all time, while reserving some praise for club captain Lautaro Martinez.
Bergomi was one the best defenders of his generation. He spent his entire playing donning the Nerazzurri jersey.
Before hanging his boots in 1999, the 59-year-old got the chance to play alongside “Il Fenomeno” Ronaldo who joined Inter in 1997. The latter is celebrating his 47th birthday on Friday.
Bergomi lauds the Brazilian as the best Number 9 of all time, even though his time at the top of the game was relatively brief.
“We have a chat group for the 97/98 squad that includes Simeone, and Moriero among others. We all wished Ronaldo a happy birthday,” said the 1982 World Cup winner in his interview with TV Play via FcInter1908.
“For us, he was the strongest ever. His career didn’t last long, but when he was healthy, he was unstoppable.
“In my first match against him, I told myself that I’d dispossess him. But instead, he passed the ball underneath me. I haven’t seen such speed and technique in any other player.
“He is the strongest foreigner I have played with. If we talk about Number 9, he was the greatest of all time.
Inter Milan Legend Giuseppe Bergomi Considers Ronaldo As The Greatest Number 9 Of All Time, Hails Improving Lautaro Martinez
“Despite his injuries, he managed to be dominant. I spoke with Baresi and Costacurta, and they too suffered against him.
“But then again the player’s value lies in longevity, so the likes of Messi and Ronaldo had better careers.
“In my generation, I marked Maradona, Vialli, Mancini… We were competing against the greatest players in the world.
“But for me, Maradona is above everyone else. Then we can talk about the others.”
Bergomi also praised current Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez who has been sharp in front of goal this season, scoring six goals in just five appearances across all competitions.
“Lautaro Martinez, in past seasons, always had a goal drought for a couple of months where he couldn’t find the goal.
“But now, even when he delivers a poor performance, he stays in the game, acting as a leader by example. He is constantly improving.”
