Cristiano Ronaldo insisted on Wednesday (6th September) that his rivalry with Lionel Messi is over.
Speaking as Portugal prepare to face Slovakia on Friday (10th September) in a Euro 2024 qualifier, the Portuguese forward said that it was a 'healthy' competition that was good for the fans.
CR7 stated, “I don't see things like that, the rivalry is over. It was good a healthy rivalry that the spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they're both very good, they changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it. We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I've seen, and so have I. It's about continuing, the legacy continues, the rivalry I don't see things like that. I've already said, we've shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues, and we respect each other."
Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and has recently been joined in the Middle East by several big names including Karim Benzema and Neymar.
He insists that he still has international aspirations.
2023 is Ronaldo's 20th year with the Portugal national side and he has made 200 appearances for the national team. He was also the captain of the Euro 2016 winning team.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on Ballon d'Or shortlist for the first time since 2003