Thierry Henry has spoken of his respect for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo but says having played for Barcelona with Lionel Messi, the Argentine is his favourite.
Former Barca forward Henry was speaking to FIFA in an interview published on the governing body’s official website, and as well as comparing the Clasico pair, reflected on his first impressions of Messi.
“I have enormous respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years – and by that I mean at an extraordinarily high level,” he said.
“It’s one thing to have to have a single great season, but to maintain it for so many years is something else. I don’t think we fully realise just what these guys are achieving.
“So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo.
“From the very first training session I had with [Messi], what struck me was his desire to head for goal and score. He’d get the ball and that would be his sole focus.
“Leo was, and still is, special. There are no superlatives that haven’t already been used to describe him. We should be happy that we’re able to watch him play.
“One day he’ll leave it all behind and football will miss him dearly, so we should enjoy him while we can.”
