Edinson Cavani picks four notable unique players in football, while the Man Utd legend is completely dismissed

The 37-year-old Uruguayan striker, who now plays for Boca Juniors, was a fan favorite among United supporters and Cavani spent two seasons at Old Trafford.

Cavani made 59 appearances for the Red Devils and the former United striker scored 19 times and registered six assists for the Premier League club.

The former PSG star failed to find major success for United after suffering defeat to Spanish side Villarreal in the 2021 Europa League final.

Cavani’s spell at Old Trafford came to an end in 2022 after he left United and signed for La Liga side Valencia.

READ MORE: Antony sends mysterious 15-word message after Man Utd win against Brentford, Erik ten Hag must take notice immediately

Cavani ignores Man Utd legend in four picks

Speaking to ESPN, Edinson Cavani was asked if he considered himself a football genius and the Boca Juniors forward firmly excluded himself from that category.

The ex-Uruguay international named former PSG teammate Neymar and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi as one of the four football geniuses in his mind.

Joining Lionel Messi and Neymar on Cavani’s list were Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Argentinian icon Diego Maradona.

A notable omission from Cavani’s list was Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom the Uruguayan striker played briefly alongside the Red Devils.

“No, honestly not. There are other geniuses: Messi, Neymar, Ronaldinho, (Diego) Maradona,” Cavani said.

“I am a footballer who has polished myself, improved myself and I have the hunger to score goals and to always seek glory, and to win, and to want, and to go (…).

“You improve and things happen. Sacrifice pays off.”

READ MORE: What Ruud van Nistelrooy did on the touchline against Brentford shows he is now playing with fire, the Man Utd legend ready to risk it all

Former Man Utd star Cavani on ‘geniuses’

Cavani made 28 appearances for Valencia after leaving United before his deal with the Spanish club was terminated when Boca Juniors signed him in 2023.

The ex-Napoli and PSG star said geniuses ‘often find it easier’ because things come ‘naturally’ to them, while also opening up about his own experiences.

“Geniuses often find it easier, even though they have a lot of work and professionalism behind them,” Cavani added.

“For geniuses, things come naturally. Work pays off in all areas of life. I grew up watching my parents excel, in a modest family where nothing was lacking, but they made us realize that acquiring things costs a lot.

“You learn that and you start to see that my parents’ sacrifice is rewarded and you start to give meaning to it and you start to develop.

“When you reach a certain point and you make your decisions, you see that the most important recipe is work and dedication to what you do.

“And love for what you do. If you are passionate about something and do it with love, you should try to be the best.

“In a healthy way, for improvement, in any profession.”

Related posts