Messi or Ronaldo? Samir Nasri picks his 'greatest player of all time' and explains why
What's the story?
Joining an array of players and pundits who have weighed in on the debate, former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has made his pick between Barcelona ace Lionel Messi and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.
In case you didn't know...
Nasri made a return to the Premier League following a loan spell at Sevilla and a stint at Turkish side Antalyaspor. The midfielder now plays for West Ham United where he is reunited with old boss Manuel Pellegrini.
The Frenchman had undergone a six-month ban after being found guilty of a doping offence by UEFA after breaking World Anti-Doping Association rules in December 2016.
The midfielder still denies taking any substance saying, "I’m still disappointed about it because I didn’t take any substance."
"It was just the dosage of the vitamin that was too much. I could do it in two days but I did it in just one day and so I have regrets about it because I was sick."
"I had a doctor’s prescription but it still hasn’t been accepted."
"I lost one year of my career that just went like that and at one point they were talking about a four-year suspension."
"A lot of things went through my mind. I thought my career was over, so having this second chance makes me lucky."
Nasri has gone head-to-head with both Ronaldo and Messi in the course of his career and has now given his verdict on the debate surrounding the duo: who is the greatest player of all time?
The heart of the matter
The West Ham star has hailed Barcelona star Messi as the best in the world, adding that the 31-year-old forward is "gifted by God". While he deems the Argentine to be the best, the former Gunner has pegged Ronaldo as the prime example to follow.
The Frenchman said, "Lionel Messi, just because I think he is gifted by God.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is more of a professional, hard-working guy.
"Ronaldo is the example you follow."
What's next?
After an incredible victory over the Gunners, West Ham are next scheduled to face Bournemouth in the Premier League later today.