• Narration: The draw, live
  • Spanish teams. Friendly draw with Madrid and Valencia; Barcelona and Atlético go badly unemployed
  • Van Dijk.Disban Cristiano and Messi as Player of the Year

The draw of the Champions League, in addition to determining which will be the first pitfalls that the favorites will have to face on their way to Istanbul, left several details. But above all, he highlighted the reunion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, both nominated for the Best Player of the Year award that ended up taking Virgil Van Dijk, and who remembered with some nostalgia those years in which, one in Madrid and one in the Barcelona, ​​starred in a rivalry that, as the Portuguese noted, is already the history of sport.

"I miss playing in Spain. We had that battle for the last fifteen years. I think I have helped him grow and he has helped me grow. I think this rivalry is football history," said the forward of Juventus in a delicious talk with his nemesis mediated by the host of the gala. "I already said it at the time. It was a beautiful rivalry, especially because I was at Real Madrid too. Now he is in a great team too and we see him from Spain," replied the Argentine.

Both wanted to emphasize that their rivalry does not go beyond the playing fields and that they maintain a very cordial treatment. "As you know we have a good relationship. We haven't had dinner together yet, but in the future ..." Ronaldo added with a laugh. The Portuguese, despite running out of awards at this ceremony, also made a very positive assessment of his first season in Italy. "It has been a special year. After nine years at Real Madrid it was an important change, but I got three titles: the Super Cup, the Italian League and the League of Nations with Portugal. On a personal level I think I did very well and collectively also. I'm very happy to be here and keep breaking records. "

Cristiano, in a very good mood throughout the gala, also joked about his age and about the time Messi and he can perpetuate his tyranny in European football. "He (Messi) is two years younger than me, but I look good with my age, so it's not a bad idea. I hope to be here next year and in two years and in three years. People who don't I like him to see me here, "he concluded.

Something more serious was seen the former Real Madrid and Manchester United once the draw ended. When asked by the Spanish media about his return to the Wanda Metropolitano, he recalled the insults received last season. "It's one more game, Atlético is a great team as we all know and because of my time at Real Madrid I played many times against them. I hope they won't crush me again in the stadium calling me unsportsmanlike things. I hope it's a well-played match because they are an excellent team and have a great coach, "said the executioner of the mattresses in the last edition of the Champions League.

Cantona, Sneijder and women's football

Beyond the encounter between the two stars, it is worth mentioning the enigmatic speech of Éric Cantona. The legend of Manchester United received an honorary award (UEFA President's Award) in recognition of his career, and as when he was active, he left no one indifferent. "Soon science will not only be able to stop the deterioration of the cells but it will be able to repair them and so we can be eternal. Only accidents, crimes and wars will kill us, but unfortunately they will all multiply. I love football. Thank you," he concluded. former French striker

Another retired player, Wesley Sneijder, winner of the Orejona in 2010 under the orders of José Mourinho at Inter Milan, was one of those in charge of taking the balls of the 32 teams participating in this edition of the Champions League. The Dutchman, who has hung up his boots just a few weeks ago, surprised everyone by his sudden physical change. In contrast, another footballer who has just finished his professional career, Petr Cech, who also collaborated in the raffle and remains fit despite not being active

In addition to the Best Player of the Year award for Virgil Van Dijk, there was room for women's football. UEFA awarded Lucy Bronze as the most outstanding footballer last season. The English side managed to win the Champions League with its club, Olympique de Lyon, and reached the semifinals of the World Cup with the English team.

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