Ronaldo reveals special relationship with Messi ahead of FIFA WC. Legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
While speaking in an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Ronaldo revealed that he has a special relationship with the Argentine star.
“He is an amazing player. Magic. Top. As a person, we share the stage 16 years. Imagine 16 years. So, I have great relationship with him. I’m not a friend of him, in terms of what I mean as a friend who was with you in your house or speaking on the phone,” said Ronaldo.
“No, but it’s like a teammate. He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always have respect and they’re from Argentina.
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“My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”
“Probably the best player I’ve ever seen [excluding myself]. Maybe Zidane. That I play and fight with, yes.”
‘Provoked’
In the same interview, Ronaldo also claimed he was “provoked” by a lack of respect from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag when refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month.
Ronaldo has been a peripheral figure on the field during Ten Hag’s first season in charge.
The striker responded to criticism after he refused to come on and left Old Trafford early during United’s 2-0 win on October 19.
“I think he did it on purpose,” said Ronaldo. “I felt provoked. I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.”
The club responded by suspending the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the Red Devils’ next match against Chelsea.
“I think it was a strategy from the club for me to react that way,” he added. “I was very, very, very, very disappointed with the communication of Manchester United.
“To be honest, I never had a problem with any club, with any coach and they suspend me three days, which I felt was a lot.”
In a statement on Monday, United said they will consider the club’s response to the interview once the full facts are established.
The 37-year-old was reportedly keen to leave the club even before the campaign began after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
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