Valentino Rossi up there with Jordan and Messi among the greatest ever - Franco Morbidelli

The nine-time world champion made his first MotoGP paddock appearance of the season on Friday in Barcelona to support his VR46 team

VR46 rider Franco Morbidelli says he counts Valentino Rossi among the three greatest sportsperson of all time, alongside Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi.

Morbidelli made that comment after Friday Practice for the Catalan Grand Prix, as seven-time MotoGP champion Rossi made a surprise appearance in the Barcelona paddock.

Marc Marquez’s withdrawal due to injury just four days before this weekend's Catalan round was a major blow to the event. Without the reigning champion, it was clear that fan interest could be seriously affected, and plenty of empty stands were visible on the first day of track action on Friday.

However, Rossi’s unexpected arrival provided a timely boost for organisers and fans alike, with the Italian remaining one of the most iconic figures in MotoGP despite retiring from full-time competition five years ago.

Although the 47-year-old was scheduled to travel to Jerez a few weeks ago to accompany his team at the Spanish GP, he ultimately cancelled his plans, opting instead to come to Barcelona this weekend for his first appearance at a MotoGP race this season.

In addition to having a team in the premier class, Team VR46, Rossi has his half-brother Luca Marini racing for Honda, as well as many friends, such as Uccio Salucci and Morbidelli, with whom he has shared a close friendship for many years, having been the first member of the now-famous VR46 Academy.

Franco Morbidelli, VR46 Racing Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

As is customary when 'Vale' is at the circuits, Morbidelli was asked what his presence meant to the team.

"It is very beautiful to be with Vale in general, but even more so in the racing environment, above all because when he comes to a grand prix he has more time to dedicate to you personally as a rider," said the 31-year-old.

"He goes to the track and analyses every movement, he sees so many things and details, he gives you a lot of information, fresh air and new ideas. It is very good and it helps, above all on my side. Surely he is capable of seeing and analysing details that few can see.

"It is at the races when he feels completely free, with time to dedicate to you. Valentino is always busy, he has many commitments, many, 95% of the time. But when he comes to the races, he takes care of you, and it is a great feeling.

"If you are a rider, for the best rider in history to take care of helping you, you can feel very fortunate. It is beautiful."

Asked my Motorsport.com whether he placed Rossi among the 10 best athletes in history, he said: "I’ll tell you more, I would place him in the top 5 of the best in history.

"I put Michael Jordan at number one, Leo Messi at two… third, Valentino Rossi, Mike Tyson… and the golfer: Tiger Woods. That is my list, Vale on the podium."