Former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani insisted that he is a player who has always "polished" himself after namechecking four major footballing talents.

Edinson Cavani left Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and completed a sensational free transfer to Old Trafford under Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 37-year-old Uruguayan striker, who is now at Boca Juniors, was a fan favourite 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 fell short of lifting major silverware at United after suffering a penalty shootout 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 outfit Valencia.

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

Joining Lionel Messi and Neymar on Cavani's list were Brazil legend Ronaldinho and Argentina icon Diego Maradona.

A noticeable omission from Cavani's list was Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who the Uruguayan forward briefly played alongside at the Red Devils.

"No, honestly no. There are other geniuses: Messi, Neymar, Ronaldinho, [Diego] Maradona," Cavani said.

"I am a football player who has polished myself, improved and I have the hunger for goals and to always seek glory, and to win, and to want, and to go [...].

"One improves and things happen. Sacrifice pays off."

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, with Boca Juniors signing him in 2023.

The ex-Napoli and PSG star said that geniuses "often find it easier" due to things coming "naturally" to them, all the while opening up about his own experiences.

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

"Things come naturally to geniuses. Work pays off in all areas of life. I grew up watching my parents excel, in a humble family where nothing was lacking, but they made us realise that obtaining things cost a lot.

"That teaches you and you begin to see that my parents' sacrifice is being rewarded and you start giving it meaning and you start to develop.

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

"And love for what you do. When you have a passion for something and you do it with love, you have to try to be the best.

"In a healthy way, for the sake of improvement, in any profession."

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