Ronaldo Nazario ranks himself alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona as part of a "very special group" of football's greatest ever players.
Legendary forward Ronaldo led Brazil to their most recent World Cup triumph 20 years ago, scoring eight goals as Luiz Felipe Scolari's team sealed the country's fifth title in Japan and South Korea.
No Brazilian has ever bettered Ronaldo's tally at a single edition of the tournament, while his total return of 15 World Cup goals has only been beaten by Germany's Miroslav Klose (16).
While Ronaldo believes his exploits put him in the pantheon of footballing greats, he told the Guardian it was difficult to compare his abilities to those of players from different generations.
Asked to choose between seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi and another Argentina icon in Maradona, Ronaldo said: "That's unfair!
"I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, [Johan] Cruyff, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Pele, [Marco] Van Basten, Ronaldinho. I would include myself.
"Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can't rank them, can't compare generations.
"People call me the 'original' Ronaldo but there were others – and they weren't false.
"I'm not the only one, and more will come along and be better than me in everything. I did what I could, the best I could."
Brazil's hopes of repeating their 2002 World Cup win will depend largely on the form of Neymar, who has been involved in 42 per cent of the Selecao's World Cup goals since making his tournament debut in 2014 (8/19 – six goals, two assists).
Ronaldo compared the abilities of the Paris Saint-Germain forward to those of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting no football fan could fail to enjoy watching him play.
"People love him a lot," Ronaldo added of Neymar. "If we talk specifically about football, I doubt there's anyone who doesn't love him. His private life transcends football, but I'm not interested.
"He's daring, has skill, variety, is quick, scores goals, has personality. You could compare him to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even though they are from a different planet.
"On the pitch Neymar is one [thing], then people mix in all the other stuff."
Williamson signs new Arsenal deal
Leah Williamson has put pen to paper on a new deal at Arsenal, extending her 19-year stay with the Gunners.
The England defender, who was eight years old when she had her first trial at the club, has agreed fresh terms with the Women's Super League side.
Williamson returned to action in February following a lengthy lay-off with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which forced her to miss the Lionesses' run to the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
The 27-year-old, who skippered England to Euro 2022 glory, has made 232 appearances for Arsenal, winning the Women's Super League as well as the FA Cup and League Cup on two occasions.
"Everyone knows what Arsenal means to me, but I think every time I sign a new contract, I feel that love ignite all over again," she told the club's official website.
"I'm very happy to be staying. This is a place where I can still continue to grow, develop and be challenged. As a group, we're all very focused on bringing more silverware to this club and I can't wait to get started again when the new season comes around."
"Leah is an essential part of our team, so we're delighted she has signed a new contract with us," Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall added. "She brings us so much on and off the pitch - leadership, accountability and commitment.
"Leah has a special bond with Arsenal, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work together to bring more success to this great club."
Clare Wheatley, the club's director of women's football, said: "Leah's connection with Arsenal runs so deep. I can remember her as a girl in our academy many years ago, and I'm so proud of the determined, passionate woman she has become.
"We're thrilled that Leah has signed a new deal here, and I know our supporters will join me in congratulating her today."
Hazard 'bit sad' with Chelsea decision to sack Pochettino
Eden Hazard "was a bit sad" to see Chelsea part company with head coach Mauricio Pochettino after just one season in charge.
Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent last week after a trophyless campaign and a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Chelsea great Hazard, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, believes the former Tottenham boss deserved more time.
"I was a bit sad," he told talkSPORT. "I think he did a great job. I know people want Chelsea to be in the top four but it’s a season of transition.
"He's a great manager. I wish him good luck and let's see who is going to be there in the future."
Chelsea are reported to have whittled their shortlist to four names - Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Enzo Maresca
However, Hazard cheekily suggested that former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas could be an option for the Blues.
Fabregas is working as an assistant manager with Italian side Como and helped guide them to Serie A promotion this season.
Asked about possible contenders for the job, Hazard said: "I have my friend in Como. He can be the first manager."
Inzaghi 'not worried' about Lautaro future ahead of meeting new Inter owners
Simone Inzaghi says he is "not worried" about Lautaro Martinez's future, with the Inter skipper yet to sign a new contract at San Siro.
The Argentina international, who is under contract until 2026, was the top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals, as the Nerazzurri claimed their 20th Scudetto after finishing 19 points clear of second-place Milan.
Inter are now under new ownership with American firm Oaktree completing their takeover of the club from Suning last week.
The future of Lautaro will be high on the agenda when Inzaghi meets with the new owners this week, with the skipper's salary demands reportedly delaying negotiations, but the head coach is confident the situation will be resolved.
"I am not worried because I know the club," he said. "Although the owners have changed, the directors have maintained continuity and will continue to do so."
Inter concluded a memorable campaign with a 2-2 draw at Verona on Sunday, with Marko Arnautovic's double securing a point, and Inzaghi saluted his players' efforts.
"We didn't hide ourselves this season," he said. "We said our objective was the second star. We wanted it so badly, knowing that the other four, five, or six contenders wanted the same. We were the best in Italy."
When asked if the Champions League was the club's main target next season, he added: "We know what it means to play so many games. We know it won't be easy, but we'll prepare in the best way."
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