Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini has offered insights into his playing time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside engaging in the compelling debate between Messi and CR7.
The veteran Italian defender spent three years collaborating with CR7 in Turin from 2018 to 2021. During this period, the Portuguese superstar netted 101 goals and clinched five silverware titles, including two Serie A championships.
When asked about his experience working with Ronaldo, Chiellini conveyed to FIFA’s official website: “Cristiano is an extremely demanding individual, always striving for victory, and he has successfully transmitted that ethos to everyone. Ronaldo aims to score goals, break records, and consistently emerge victorious, a trait he has maintained to this day. That is Cristiano, precisely as you see him. Ronaldo dedicates himself to the smallest details daily, which makes me feel truly honored to have played alongside him for three years.”
Chiellini has played alongside and faced numerous all-time greats throughout his illustrious career, and when prompted to choose the standout player in the enduring debate between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the former Italian maestro stated:
“The most challenging opponents I’ve faced are Messi and Ronaldo. Many people ask me, ‘Who’s better: Messi or Ronaldo?’, akin to asking LeBron James versus Michael Jordan. I don’t view it as a competition; both stand atop. Clearly, for personal sentiment, I am closer to Cristiano due to playing alongside him, but both are formidable to the extent that one or two cannot suffice.”
“Among the strongest players I’ve played alongside, Buffon and Ronaldo are undoubtedly present. Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper in football history, with Cristiano ranking among the top two, three, four, or five greatest players in the sport’s history. He certainly belongs in the pantheon of football’s greatest players.”
Chiellini faced off against Argentine superstar Messi in MLS last season, after the player, who won the Ballon d’Or eight times, joined Inter Miami, but the 39-year-old defender decided to hang up his boots and retire at the end of the preceding campaign.