Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has spoken of his admiration for the “competitive beast” that is his former Real Madrid foe Cristiano Ronaldo.
Xavi and Ronaldo were rivals between 2009 and 2015, before the midfielder left Camp Nou for Qatar in the summer, and he admits he is in awe of the Portuguese’s professionalism and desire to be the best.
“I have the utmost respect for him because of how professional he is,” he told Record.
“He’s always been among the candidates for the Ballon d’Or and won the award several times.
“This shows how much of a competitive animal he is.
“He’s a truly competitive beast and still looking to achieve success for him and his team.
“He’s a reference for any professional footballer.
“[Jose Mourinho] always wanted to win at any cost and this shows his nature.
“I respect this philosophy, but winning at any cost implies that you can’t stay true to a playing style.
“For me, the ends don’t always justify the means.
“I respect him a lot and he’s achieved great things, but I don’t see football in the same way that Mourinho does.
“[On being nominated for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or], I never thought I deserved it more than other players.
“[Nicolas Gaitan] could play for even the biggest clubs in Spain.
Xavi also revealed that he still saw his “friend” and ex-Spain teammate Iker Casillas and was considering coaching.
