Ronaldo: Messi and I are not friends

There is an ongoing debate about who is the better of the pair, but Ronaldo is adamant there is no bitterness between the two.

Published : Oct 28, 2016 00:48 IST

Ronaldo has downplayed the significance of his rivalry with Messi and stressed that there is a mutual respect between them.
Ronaldo has downplayed the significance of his rivalry with Messi and stressed that there is a mutual respect between them.
lightbox-info

Ronaldo has downplayed the significance of his rivalry with Messi and stressed that there is a mutual respect between them.

Cristiano Ronaldo has downplayed the significance of his rivalry with Lionel Messi and stressed that there is a mutual respect between them, even though the two are not friends.

The Real Madrid star and his Barcelona counterpart have dominated the Ballon d'Or election over the past eight years and they are widely regarded as the two best players in the game.

There is an ongoing debate about who is the better of the pair, but Ronaldo is adamant there is no bitterness between the two. "There is a big mutual respect between myself and Messi," the 31-year-old told Coach Magazine.

"The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don't. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides."

Ronaldo has faced plenty of high-profile defenders since making his professional debut at Sporting CP, but there is one opponent who stands out for the prolific attacker.

"Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe," Ronaldo added.

"He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game." A defender who has mainly been battling alongside Ronaldo is Pepe and the forward has nothing but praise for his team-mate.

"Pepe is the team-mate I would want next to me in a war," he continued. "Not only is he a fantastic defender, but he leaves nothing on the field. He gives everything."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment