Luis Figo has appeared to perform a U-turn after praising Cristiano Ronaldo as perhaps Portugal's greatest ever player.
Real Madrid and Portugal legend Figo had previously praised the great Eusebio as the nation's greatest ever player, with the debate between Eusebio and Ronaldo intensifying after Portugal's victory at the European Championship in the summer.
"I admire Cristiano and I enjoy seeing his achievements," Figo previously told AS as quotedby The Sun.
"He just gets better every year. He's making football history. But even though I never saw Eusebio play, I would put him at number one for everything he stands for, for the love he showed me, his friendship and his advice."
However, ahead of the Ballon d'Or in which Ronaldo has been nominated as one of the best players in the world, Figo has indicated that his former teammate may have moved past Eusebio.
"Ronaldo is always important [to Real Madrid]," Figo toldCadena Copein a recent interview.
"He is possibly the best player in the history of Portugal. For his numbers, no doubt. For allthat he has conquered. Out of respect, possibly Eusébio [is greater] because he was the first. Now, for the numbers and quality, the best is possibly Cristiano.�
Ronaldo will no doubt go down as one of the greatest players ever, regardless of whether he is considered better than Eusebio, having helped Portugal to win their first ever major competition at Euro 2016.
Ronaldo himself had little say in the final against France, coming off early injured, but helped his side to the final with three goals during the tournament.