'I have quality that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can't match – they're not like me'

Ex-Manchester United striker Diego Forlan believes he was better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - in one aspect of the game.

The Uruguayan forward initially struggled at Old Trafford after arriving from Independiente in 2002, taking 27 games to score his first goal for the club. After ending his drought, Forlan grew in stature and became an effective bench option as Sir Alex Ferguson's side won the league title and FA Cup over the next two years.

It was only after leaving United in 2004 that Forlan truly flourished. During his spells at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, he scored 128 goals in 240 La Liga games. Forlan also made a name for himself on the international stage, finishing joint-top scorer at the 2010 World Cup and being awarded the Golden Ball as the best player at the tournament.

Despite his achievements, Forlan is often not mentioned among the best forwards of his generation. The United cult hero has argued that he perfected shooting with both feet better than Messi and Ronaldo.

“Leo scores many goals from set pieces, but he doesn't go for it as much when the ball is moving,” Forlan told Las Voces del Futbol. “I loved shooting when the ball was moving, but with a significant difference compared to many shooters: I could shoot with both feet.

“I’m not saying if I’m the best or not; I’m not interested in being the best, but it surprises me when I'm not included among the best shooters. The difference with everyone is that I could shoot with my right and left foot. I scored goals with both.

“Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t shoot from as far as I did, I have a lot of goals with my left foot and from 35 metres. Cristiano certainly shoots very well, and David Villa too, but closer to the area. Not like me.”

Forlan and Ronaldo spent a year as team-mates at United, with the Uruguayan often translating for the teenage winger. However, the 45-year-old left their connection aside when asked to name the sport's best-ever player.

In a game conducted by Las Voces del Futbol, Forlan was given two players to pick from in an elimination format. Among his tough decisions were siding with Xavi over Andres Iniesta and favouring Real Madrid legend Raul over his countryman Luis Suarez.

Forlan opted for his ex-United team-mate over Brazilian namesake Ronaldo Nazario. However, in the final showdown, the striker was not influenced by his club allegiances and crowned Messi the overall winner.

Forlan retired in 2018, having won major honours with United, the UEFA Cup with Atletico and the 2011 Copa America. After leaving Spain, he had a brief spell with Inter Milan before short stints in Brazil, Japan, Uruguay, India, and Hong Kong in the twilight of his career.

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