“Every time, the winner is a forward” - Ex-Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello makes interesting comment on GOAT debate
Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello shared his personal opinion on the GOAT debate and also picked the best among the players he managed. The Italian manager trained some of the finest players of the 20th century, as he was in charge of Los Blancos, AC Milan, Juventus, AS Roma and the England national team.
Capello was recently a guest on former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel FIVE. Ferdinand, who played under Capello for England, asked the legendary manager to name the greatest player he ever worked with.
The 78-year-old manager initially named Brazil legend Ronaldo, but then picked the defensive greats Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi.
“Ronaldo [is the best ever player I managed, so he would be my GOAT]. I managed many great players. This is a good question. Every time, the winner is a forward. I think Baresi and Maldini was for me the best players that I trained and both of them were defenders."
Fabio Capello watched Maldini and Baresi from their days in the Milan academy. He praised them for the mentality and quality they showed throughout their legendary careers.
Capello famously fell out with Ronaldo, who he considers to be the most talented player he worked with, at Real Madrid. The manager had disciplinary problems with the Brazilian forward, leading to Ronaldo's departure from the Santiago Bernabeu in 2007.
The Italian tactician won five Serie A titles as a coach, including one without losing a single game in the 1991-92 season. He won league titles with AC Milan, AS Roma and Real Madrid, and the UEFA Champions League with the Rossoneri in 1993-94.
Real Madrid set to sanction move for young defender - Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to green-light a Serie A move for academy graduate Rafa Marin to join Napoli this summer (via One Football). The centre-back has emerged as a target for multiple sides around Europe after a strong loan spell at Alaves.
Napoli have appointed Antonio Conte as their new manager and wish to strengthen their defensive unit without breaking the bank. OneFootball reports that the Italian outfit have held talks with Los Blancos over Marin.
Conte's side will reportedly pay around €12 million for the 22-year-old, and Real Madrid want a buyback clause of €30 million in his contract. The deal is said to be progressing to its conclusion, which will see Marin line up for the Italian club from the 2024-25 season.