Former international Paulo Futre has explained Cristiano Ronaldo is not loved by everyone in Portugal and some prefer Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo returned to Sporting CP on Tuesday night to a hugely welcoming reception by his former club, who celebrated his achievements both during and after his stint with the Lisbon-based club, but Futre – who also played for Sporting – said this feeling was not universal.
"Cristiano is Portuguese, he has done everything, is a European champion," the 50-year-old told El Larguero.
"But he has many enemies there — for the way he is. He is very direct, and creates many enemies in his own country.
"There was a time when many people used to chant 'Messi, Messi, Messi' outside the Portugal team hotel. Which was shameful. Without doubt there are people in Portugal who want Messi to win the Ballon d'Or. This is something very Portuguese."
Futre also lamented the superstar’s behaviour against his former club Atletico Madrid, against whom Ronaldo netted a hat-trick.
"The things he says sometimes after games, and his attitude…" he continued.
"What he did at the Calderon – he might be a bit more relaxed, but we saw how Cristiano is. He has so much experience at this stage.
"When he is criticised most at away grounds, that is when he is most motivated. But in any case he is now 31. I understand it is a derbi and it is always more heated. I myself heard a lot what he hears when he goes to away grounds, about being Portuguese."
