Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he and Barcelona striker Lionel Messi “aren’t good friends”, though he insisted that they both respect each other.
Ronaldo and Messi are considered the world’s best footballers, having dominated the FIFA Ballon d’Or – World Player of the Year award in the past eight years.
Ronaldo is considered favourite to win the next edition, having bagged 51 goals for Real Madrid last season, helping the Spanish giants to their record eleventh Champions League title, while also winning the UEFA Euro title with Portugal.
“We aren’t good friends, but there is respect on both parts,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Coach magazine.
“The media talk about a great rivalry, but we don’t have one.”
The new season has however started on a low note for the Portuguese as he has only managed four goals so far in all competitions, 10 less that the Argentine’s tally.
