Madrid, Nov 8 (IANS) Renowned Italian coach Fabio Capello has said he believes that FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi and legends Diego Maradona and Pele are the greatest ever footballers.
The former Real Madrid coach praised Messi, noting that he agrees with Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli, who said there should be a separate World Player of the Year award for Messi and one for all other players, reports Efe.
Capello pointed out that it is "true" that Messi is "a world star".
"Pele, Maradona and Messi: they are the three best players in the history of football," the Italian coach said on Monday, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
"They make you get out of your seat and you give them a standing ovation at the end of the game," the former Juventus coach added.
"Thank you, Messi, for everything you treat us with. Best of luck with your health, for us it is very important: we always want to see you on the field," Capello said.
