PIERS MORGAN has risked upsetting pal Cristiano Ronaldo after claiming cricket legend Shane Warne was the superior sportsman.
Morgan and Ronaldo have shared a close relationship in recent years after the TV host interviewed the Manchester United legend on a handful of occasions.
2
Morgan has often fought Ronaldo’s corner and celebrated his personal triumphs, but he went against the 40-year-old while comparing him to Warne.
The Australian, who died in 2022, is widely considered as one of cricket’s all time greats after dazzling as a remarkable spin bowler.
He claimed 708 wickets, which was a record until Sri Lanka star Muttiah Muralitharan surpassed him with 800.
Warne made 145 Test appearances for Australia, finishing his career with seven Ashes wins and the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Ronaldo is seen as one of the greatest footballers to play the game after winning five Ballon d’Or awards.
He’s also lifted five Champions League titles, scoring 964 goals along the way.
But Morgan has backed Warne over Ronaldo “in terms of sporting greatness” due to his “mental dominance”.
Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, he said: “Well, if it’s for a night out – Warney!
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
“In terms of sporting greatness, Warney, to me, is the greatest cricketer that’s ever lived.
“And the reason I say that is, I just felt that he was a master bowler, but also, the mental dominance he used to have over people.
“The mental strength, resilience, character and fun.. the whole package with Warney.
“I could choose a batsman or an all-rounder of course, but if I could have someone to win a game for my life, and that’s why the parallel is quite interesting.
“If I could choose a footballer to score a goal on a wet Wednesday in Stoke to save my life, I’d choose Cristiano Ronaldo.
“And if it was to win a cricket match on any surface, it’d be Shane Warne.
“If I have to choose one over the other, I’m going with Shane Warne. I love Ronaldo, but he would understand!”
Warne died after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand at the age of 52.
It led to an outpouring of grief across the sporting world as fans and pundits recalled his world class ability.
Former Australia team-mate and ex-captain Ricky Ponting called him “the greatest bowler I ever played with or against”.
Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible life
AS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.
