Mourinho believes nobody surpasses Ronaldo Nazario when it comes to talent and skill on football pitch   (From left) Argentine star Lionel Messi, Jose Mourinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo. — AFP/File

At a time when the primary debate about who is the football's greatest of all-time (GOAT) revolves primarily around Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho believes otherwise as he has snubbed both the Portuguese and Argentine strikers from the best-ever player debate.

Despite legendary footballers such as Diego Maradona, Pele, and others also included in the race for football's best-ever player, the legendary manager believes Brazil's Ronaldo Nazario to be the best-ever player to play the game, reported mirror.co.uk.

Ronaldo, also known as "R9," was a worldwide sensation long before Messi and Ronaldo emerged on the football scene.

The Brazilian had an incredible career playing for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning the World Cup twice and taking home two Ballon d'Or trophies.

Unlike Messi and R7, who have maintained their fitness and health throughout their career, Nazario's football career was marred by frequent serious knee problems — something Mourinho witnessed during his time with Barcelona.

It appears that Nazario left an impression on Mourinho, the Portuguese coach who was an interpreter at Camp Nou under the legendary boss Bobby Robson.

Speaking to LiveScore, Mourinho said: "If we are talking strictly about talent and skill, nobody surpasses Ronaldo [Nazario]. When he was at Barcelona [...] I realised that he was the best player I'd ever seen take to the field."