A big surprise is that Steven Gerrard has changed his mind about saying that Cristiano Ronaldo is the “GOAT” of football.

When asked about Al Nassr’s captain’s effect in the Middle East, Gerrard, who just moved there to coach Al Ettifaq, had a lot of nice things to say about the forward. In an SPL interview, the former midfielder went on and on about the 38-year-old star, calling him “The GOAT.” He said: “The arrival of ‘The GOAT’ as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January obviously was a huge signing.

“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 had become a very popular talking point for everyone. After Cristiano’s arrival, even more big-name signings, talents and skill sets were joining the league.”

Even though Gerrard is right about the sudden influx of talented football players from Europe’s top teams to Saudi Arabia, the 43-year-old’s change of heart has caused a stir. For Overlap, a year ago, Gerrard talked with Gary Neville, who used to be captain of Manchester United.

One of the questions Neville posed was on the ‘GOAT’ debate between Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. Confidently Gerrard replied: “It’s Lionel Messi for me. But I’m someone who would never have a derogatory word to say about Ronaldo, because he is phenomenal.”

The player who used to play for United left Old Trafford without a fuss last November. He joined the Saudi Pro League at the start of 2023.

The scorer is having a late comeback in the Middle East, where he has scored 16 goals in 17 games. Ronaldo is still an important part of the Portuguese national team, where he plays with United leader Bruno Fernandes.