Lisbon (AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about the "healthy" rivalry he has been entertaining for several years with Lionel Messi and said he "admires the career" of the Argentine footballer in an interview broadcast on Wednesday by Portuguese television.
"I really admire the career he has had so far and for his part he already said he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it was a rivalry he appreciated ", said the Portuguese player in this interview broadcast by the TVI channel.
"It's a good rivalry in football but it's no exception, Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were big rivals in Formula 1, the only thing common to all. the big rivalries in sport are that they are healthy, "added Juventus striker Turin.
For "CR7" to have as a competitor a player of the quality of the FC Barcelona captain pushes him constantly to outdo himself, he said.
"I have no doubt that Messi makes me a better player and vice versa (...) when I win trophies it must sting him and it's the same for me when he wins," said the fivefold Golden Ball.
Asked about his relationship off the field with the one who shares his record of the number of Golden Balloons, Cristiano Ronaldo stressed the respect that reigns between the two men.
"I have an excellent professional relationship with Messi because we've been sharing the same moments for fifteen years (...) I've never been to dinner with him, but why not in the future, I would not have any problem with do, "said the former Real Madrid player.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are once again vying for the UEFA best player of the season award, with Dutchman and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk. The trophy will be awarded in Monaco on August 29, during the draw of the group stage of the Champions League.
© 2019 AFP