'I played with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but another player impressed me more'

Former Chelsea star Deco believes that Ronaldinho is the greatest player to ever grace a football pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are often dubbed the two best players of all time, and their healthy rivalry has seen both players enjoy sensational careers which has taken them around Europe and now beyond.

For the first time since 2003, there was no Messi or Ronaldo on the Ballon d’Or shortlist this year, indicating that the duo’s reign at the top is naturally concluding. However, not everyone believes that the pair are the very best in the business.

Ex-Portugal international Deco has spoken previously about how his former Barcelona team-mate Ronaldinho is the best footballer he has ever seen in his lifetime, despite spending four years with Messi at the Camp Nou and playing with Ronaldo on the international stage.

He explained: “From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest (current players). Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level.

“But the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronnie. For me, he will always be the best.”

Ronaldinho and Deco became friends during their time together at Barca, even living together at one stage after bonding over how they were both able to speak Portuguese. Deco explained: “We met in Barcelona and immediately connected with him, the moments I lived with him are difficult to compare to anything. It was magical.”

The duo won two La Liga titles together, as well as the Champions League in 2006 when they beat Arsenal in the final of the competition thanks to goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti.