Cristiano Ronaldo claims Lionel Messi rivalry improves both players
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo gets tired of the comparisons between him and Lionel Messi but believes the pair push each other to keep improving.
Since Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009, his goals battle with Barcelona forward Messi has captured the imagination in the Primera Division.
In the recently-completed season Ronaldo hit a remarkable 46 goals in 38 appearances, but was bested as Messi struck a scarcely believable 50 goals in 37 matches.
The Portuguese believes it is futile to debate which player is better, but is inspired by his opposite number's high standards
"Sometimes it makes me tired...for him too because they compare us together all the time," he told CNN World Sport.
"You cannot compare a Ferrari with a Porsche because it's a different engine. You cannot compare them.
"He does the best things for Barcelona, I do the best things for Madrid, so the number (of goals)...everyone says 'it's incredible'. For him and for me because we beat our own records, so it's amazing.
"I think we push each other sometimes in the competition, this is why the competition is so high. This is why Madrid and Barcelona are the best teams in the world because everyone pushes each other."
Ronaldo also spoke about his first La Liga title, which Madrid secured with a 100-point haul.
He was clearly delighted to usurp Barca but conceded it would be tough to enjoy such a successful season again.
"My high point is to win the title here in Madrid," he said.
"It was my first time, so I was so happy because it's my best moment here in Madrid, the most important trophy. In terms of individual, it was great for me, the goals that I scored, to break my own record...to do 100 points in the Spanish league, which is a record too.
"It's phenomenal. I think it's hard to have a better year than this one. For me this is the most difficult league in the world. To compete with Barcelona, as everyone knows is very complicated and we beat them."
Ronaldo also told Sky Sports News he was disappointed to see former club Manchester United lose their Barclays Premier League crown to neighbours Manchester City - and not just because it cost him money.
"I saw a few days ago (City scored) two goals in the last minute, 91 and 93. I had a bet that Manchester United would win the league but I lost," he said.
"I feel very disappointed because United is still in my heart.
"City have a fantastic team now, but I think Manchester (United) will carry on being king of England in my opinion."
Turning to his own future, Ronaldo declared himself happy at the Bernabeu but declined to make any long-term predictions.
"The future? Nobody knows. (But) I feel very happy here. It's a great club, fantastic fans...it's great.
"In one year or two you never know. A man's head is always complicated."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments