“I’m faster than him, he knows that” - Ex-Premier League star says he’s faster than Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Mo Salah
Former Premier League star Obafemi Martins claimed he was faster than Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo during his prime. The former Nigerian international notably played for Inter Milan and Newcastle United.
In a recent challenge with ESPN UK, Martins was asked to pick a player faster than him during his prime. When pitted with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Martins replied:
"I'm faster than him."
The 40-year-old also claimed that he was faster than Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven, Kyle Walker, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben, Gareth Bale and Mohammed Salah.
When asked if he was faster than Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, Martins said:
"I'm faster than him, he knows that."
He also opined that he was faster than Leroy Sane, Adama Traore and former Arsenal star Theo Walcott. When re-asked if none of the players he mentioned were faster than him, the Nigerian chimed in:
"No player! Go back to Inter Milan and ask about me, no way!"
Here is the video below:
Obafemi Martins began his professional career with Italian lower division side Reggiana. In 2001, he joined Serie A giants Inter Milan where he played for five years before switching to the Premier League with Newcastle United. He spent three seasons with the Magpies, registering 35 goals and 10 assists in 104 appearances.
Martins also had a brief loan stint with Birmingham in the English top flight. He notably scored the winning goal of the 2011 Football League final as Birmingham defeated Arsenal 2-1 to lift the trophy. He also had spells in Germany, Spain, and China.
During his prime, Martins was known for his outstanding pace, mobility, and agile left foot. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Kyle Walker are also some of the football's fastest players.
When Cristiano Ronaldo was named the fastest player on the planet
Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was once named the fastest footballer in the world according to German newspaper, Der Spiegel back in 2009. During this period Ronaldo was at the peak of his game and had just signed for Real Madrid.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly recorded an average speed of 33.6 kilometers per hour, beating the likes of Arjen Robben (32.9 km/h), Theo Walcott (32.7 km/h), Wayne Rooney (32.6 km/h) and Robin van Persie (32.1 km/h).