Doesn't the fact the people still don't agree mean the argument is still alive and kicking?
Ronaldos stats are stunning. Can't argue with them. But as a footballer, he's not as good as Messi, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and a few more. He's a sensational goal scorer though.
Let's be honest about it, the only reason the argument is still alive and kicking is because he's a former Manc. If he hadn't played for them then I doubt people on these boards would be so dismissive of him. To some, he'll always be a greasy diving showboating manc twat - regardless of what he accomplishes with Madrid.
He might not have the silky skills of Messi, Ronaldinho etc etc. But the objective of the game of football is to score goals. That's ultimately the aim of the game, isn't it? We can muse and theorize about what makes a player great all day long, but at the end of the day it's all about putting the ball in the net. And no one in the history of top flight professional football has ever hit figures like Ronaldo. Only Messi can catch him now goal wise
Put it this way: if you asked me to name my dream all time 11 then I'd probably bump Ronaldo for Maradona, Cryuff and Brazilian Ronaldo. Only because the thought of those 3 playing together is stuff of fantasy. On the other hand, If you asked me to pick a player - any player - to build a team around, then it would be Ronaldo all day long. Couldn't be arsed about who and so and so who have silkier skills. His goal record is SO insane that he has to be top of the list IMO