Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo wrote another page in his incredible story this week. The 36-year-old striker has become the savior of Manchester United in recent games, scoring crucial goals to save points for his team.
After two under-the-radar seasons with Juventus, the Portuguese player returned to Manchester in the offseason, keen to take the team to the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Although it’s been a tough job so far, United have a chance to fight in the UCL because of him.
On Tuesday, the 5x Champions League winner again showed up in clutch time to save one point in Italy. In injury time, CR7 dribbled past a couple of defenders; after getting a rebound from Atalanta’s defense, he shot the ball from outside the box, scoring the late 2-2 for his side.
He scored the two goals for Manchester two nights ago, demonstrating he’s still a world-class player. After the match was over, his manager praised the player, comparing him to the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan.
“Cristiano for us is like Michael Jordan for Chicago Bulls,” Solskjaer said after the game, via talkSPORT. “No one can question the character of these players.
“They just don’t give up and they don’t give in and they keep going. We had to make a few changes, and they worked.
“It was a tight game that flowed both ways. I think their first goal was offside because he interferes with David [De Gea’s] view and the second goal is very close.
“But Cristiano is just incredible. That’s what he does and if there’s anyone you want the chance – and a difficult chance – to go to in the last minute it is him. His technique on that volley was incredible.”
There’s no doubt that Jordan and Cristiano set the standard in their respective sports. MJ is the GOAT in the NBA, even though other players like LeBron James or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have solid cases to get that title, too. The Bulls legend took the NBA to the next level in the 90s, making it a global brand that has reached new territories in the following years. He won six titles in eight years, three-peating twice with the mighty Bulls.
He won several individual awards in the middle, becoming one of the most honored players in league history.
On the other hand, Cristiano has become the GOAT in his sport, too. After winning individual and collective awards on Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, CR7 has earned this title thanks to his goals and impressive performances.
Even though United aren’t going through the best moment this season, if somehow Ronaldo manages to take the team to a championship, his return would be considered a success around the soccer world.
It’s hard to disagree with Solskjaer; this is GOAT talk and nothing else.
