Thierry Henry insists there is only one 'real Ronaldo" as he aimed a sly dig at Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo and the Manchester United forward have naturally drawn comparisons over the years and like the 'greatest of all time' debate between Lionel Messi and the Portugal star, it seems fans need to pick a side.
Many consider Ronaldo as the 'real Ronaldo' as he was about first, but others feel Cristiano has eclipsed the former Inter Milan no.9 which in turn discredits the other's achievements.
And Henry and Jamie Carragher got into the debate on Wednesday night on punditry duty for the Champions League for CBS Sports.
The former Arsenal striker was firmly in Brazil star Ronaldo's camp, something which took the former Liverpool defender by surprise.
Asked if he ever tried to get anybody's shirt during his playing days, Henry said: "I did, Ronaldo. R9.
Who do you consider the 'real Ronaldo'? Comment below
Carragher responded: "The real Ronaldo?"
Henry replied: "The real one. How many Ronaldo's did you know when you were growing up?
Carragher said: "Only one, but to call him the real Ronaldo.
Henry added: "R9 is Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo is Cristiano."
Henry has previously sided with his former teammate Messi on who is the greatest player of all time.
He said: "Well, I played with Leo, so you can guess my answer (laughs). I have enormous respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years—and by that I mean at an extraordinarily high level.
"It’s one thing to have a single great season, but to maintain it for so many years is something else.
"I don’t think we fully realise just what these guys are achieving. So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo."
Henry has conceded that Cristiano is one the best strikers in the Champions League this season, however.
"You have to give this guy a lot of credit, why? Because simply what he has done with the national team, what he’s doing right now for United," he told CBS Sports.
"What he has been doing for Juve, Real Madrid and United before, it is second to none if we’re talking about a No.9, you have to give him his respect."
Henry reckons Karim Benzema closely follows him, however, as the Real Madrid striker continues to putup incredible numbers at the Bernabeu.
"I think he [Benzema] is the most complete striker in the world, he can do everything at ease and has answered the call since Ronaldo left, he won the Champions League so many times and I think that’s good enough for number two,’ he added.
