‘He can't be compared’ - Ex-Real Madrid manager claims CR7 not intelligent as Messi, Maradona or Ronaldo Nazario

The 41-year-old has been a consistent force in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 17 goals in 18 league appearances this season as he aims for his first major trophy with Al-Nassr.

With his goalscoring success at Al-Nassr, the Portuguese legend embarked on a quest to reach 1,000 career goals. 

However, Capello believes the Portuguese superstar falls short of the very highest echelon of footballing talent.

Capello, who has managed European giants like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Juventus, argues that he is not on the same level as the game's true geniuses.

"Cristiano is a great goalscorer and an incredible athlete, but he doesn't have the genius of Messi, Maradona or Ronaldo Nazario," Capello stated on ON Sport's 'Hat-Trick' program. 

"That genius that the others possessed is absent in Cristiano. He can't be compared to those three."

The Italian coach, who managed Ronaldo Nazario at Real Madrid, also offered a candid assessment of the Brazilian striker, calling him "a negative leader who threw huge parties and didn't want to train."

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr anticipates the return of Ronaldo, who has been sidelined for recent matches, for their crucial Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh. His team is currently trailing the league leaders, Al-Hilal, by only one point.

Reports suggest Ronaldo was frustrated by his club's relative inactivity during the January transfer window, especially as rivals Al-Hilal strengthened their squad by signing Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.