Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he is not an individualistic player at Real Madrid and once more that the comparisons with Lionel Messi are tiresome.
The Portuguese was yesterday quoted in an interview with France Football as saying he would happily vote for himself for this year’s Ballon d’Or award if he could.
As part of the same interview published today, the Madrid star looked to make clear that in spite of this, he is not an individual on the pitch.
“Certainly I am not an individualistic player and whoever knows football would understand that,” Ronaldo told the French publication, who hand out the Ballon d’Or alongside FIFA.
“I don't want to get involved in this debate, it doesn't interest me. Another thing, it is not for me to answer.”
Ronaldo was asked again who is in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
“Messi could win it, but also Xavi or Iniesta. And we cannot forget Drogba and Falcao. They could also receive the trophy that they otherwise lack.”
Earlier this week Ronaldo spoke of his respect for Lionel Messi, in spite of the endless comparisons made between the two players, and again returned to the subject.
“It’s a media thing. We are constantly put up against each other, as they are sure that they will sell more papers and that the television audiences will climb up beyond the clouds.
“The truth is that I’m a bit tired of it. In a way we are forced to have to prove every day that we are on a higher level. That gets a bit tough, but I’m used to it. I don’t like being compared to other players, other people. Times change and teams change.
"Messi and I are different, that’s for sure. We have not grown up in the same team, or with the same system.
“He’s been with Barca since a young age, a boy, and he knows the club well and proves that he is very good.
“He also plays in one of the best teams in the world and that helps. I see him as a good teammate, as someone who does things in his way. I respect him a lot.”
