Steven Gerrard Calls Cristiano Ronaldo "The GOAT" In Saudi Pro League Interview

Steven Gerrard said in a Saudi Pro League interview that he calls Cristiano Ronaldo "The GOAT". Gerrard had previously suggested that Lionel Messi was better.

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that he refers to Cristiano Ronaldo as "The GOAT".

GOAT is an acronym often used in sports. It stands for Greatest Of All Time.

Many soccer fans view Ronaldo as the greatest player of all time, though Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona also feature regularly in soccer's GOAT debates.

Ronaldo, 38, and Gerrard, 43, are both currently based in Saudi Arabia's Pro League.

Gerrard has been the manager of Al-Ettifaq since July, while Ronaldo has been captain of Al Nassr since January.

Cristiano Ronaldo pictured playing for Al Nassr :: IMAGO/AFLOSPORT

Speaking in an interview with the Saudi Pro League's official media team this week, Gerrard said that he started following the league after Ronaldo's arrival at the start of the year.

Gerrard explained: "The arrival of 'The GOAT' as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January obviously was a huge signing [for Saudi soccer]. He still had a lot of football to offer.

"So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo's results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights.

"I think from that moment, the league around the world it became a very popular talking point for everyone.

"After Cristiano's arrival, even more big-name signings, talents and skillsets were joining the league."

Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard pictured during an interview with the Saudi Pro League's media team / www.spl.com.sa

The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante all signed for Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season.

However, Messi rejected an offer from Al-Hilal to move to Inter Miami in the United States instead.

Prior to Messi's move to Miami, Gerrard had previously suggested that the Argentina ace was slightly superior to Ronaldo.

Speaking to ex-England teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap YouTube channel in April - six months before Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar - Gerrard said: "I think they're both operating on a different planet to every footballer that's ever lived, probably besides your Peles and your Maradonas.

"But Messi, for me, is more of a team player. If he's in on goal, he'll look for a pass as well as obviously posting really, really good numbers individually as well."