One of the best players in the world Cristiano Ronaldo said that although Lionel Messi is his bitter rival, he has nothing but respect for him. Furthermore, he praised Ashley Cole and Pepe.
The Real Madrid star said that there is a mutual respect between him and Messi, but that they have never been friends. Both players have been considered to be the best soccer players nowadays. Both of them have been dominant at Ballon d’Or election in the last couple of years.
Although there is a never-ending debate whether Ronaldo is better than Messi or not, Ronaldo says that there is no hostility between them. He told Coach Magazine:”There is a big mutual respect between myself and Messi. The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don’t. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides.”
Ronaldo is one of the hardest players to stop when he attacks the goal, so he praised Ashley Cole and said that he is a tough defender. He declared: “Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
The 31-year-old added that Pepe is one of the best teammates he has ever played with. Ronaldo stated: “Pepe is the team-mate I would want next to me in a war. Not only is he a fantastic defender, but he leaves nothing on the field. He gives everything.”
