When it comes to trumpet blowing, Portugal and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has certainly got his lips in good order. The tune that he is playing is "I have never seen a better player than me." This modest statement comes after Ronaldo collected his 5th Ballon d'Or award on Thursday 7th December.
It was the second year in succession that he had won the world's most prestigious soccer player award. The only other player to have been given five awards is the Argentinean, Lionel Messi.
Not one to shy away from the limelight, the Real Madrid player told France Football (the magazine responsible for the award ceremony) that he is the best player in the history of the game, both in terms of his good moments and his bad moments.
He was courteous enough to admit that he respected other people's views, but still maintained that he has not seen a better player than himself. In his opinion, no one can do the things that he can and that he is the most complete player.
He went on to say that he plays equally well with both feet, that he is fast and powerful and that he is also good with his head. In outlining his abilities he reminded people that he both scores and makes goals for other players.
Yes, he said, some people support Messi or Neymar, but in his opinion, they are not as complete a player as he is.
It is a fact that no-one has won more trophies (including others aside from the Ballon d'Or) than Ronaldo. But he was quick to point out that this is not simply about his working out in the gym. That is only part of his fitness regime.
He compared himself to other legends like Lebron James and Floyd Mayweather who have both reached their levels of professional perfection more than just by chance. All great athletes have to be at the very top of their games to stay there, and they must have more talent and ability than the rest of the pack.
In a rare moment of contrition, the Portuguese player remembered one time earlier on in his career when he did become demotivated. He admitted not wanting to go to ceremonies where arch-rival Lionel Messi was winning awards instead of him.
He recounted feeling sad and annoyed when he didn't win the top accolades. He had little desire to attend the events just for photo shoot opportunities.
However, he recalled that those close to him rallied around. He came to realise that there is a beginning and an end to events in one's career and that in soccer, it is the end that counts and not the start. Knowing this, he became more patient and in the process went on to win four more Ballon d'Or awards. He has however stated that winning a 6th award in 2018 will be a big ask.
Being a part of the Champions League Real Madrid side that won the competition, being the competition's lead goal scorer, and scoring two goals in the final match, all made a big contribution to his winning his 5th award.
Next year, not only will there be a host of competitions, but there will also be the World Cup when Ronaldo will represent his home country, Portugal. He knows that his performance in the competition will be crucial to his bid for a 6th, but he will be up against the likes of England's Harry Kane when it comes down to taking the Golden Boot.
Ronaldo is well aware that just winning the Champions League next season will not in itself be enough to grant him his wish of a 6th Ballon d'Or.