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Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo assures that the rivalry with the Argentinean Lionel Messi is over and that “He who likes Cristiano doesn’t necessarily hate Messi” because both are “very good” players who “changed the history of football”.
Rivalry with Messi was ‘good, viewers loved it’but “it’s over” and today, although there is no friendship, “we respect each other,” Cristiano told a press conference at Oeiras Soccer City, on the outskirts of Lisbon, where he is concentrating with the Portuguese national team.
“We shared the stage for 15 years and eventually became, I won’t tell my friends I never dined with him (laughs) but we are colleagues by profession and respect each other”– said the Portuguese star.
Asked about the animosity between his followers and supporters of the former Barcelona player, Cristiano ruled out any “hatred”.
“Anyone who loves Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi. Both are very good, they changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, this is the most important thing,” he said.
The current Al-Nasr player also stated that Messi, from what he has seen so far, “does well” in his new team, Miami Interand that while he is no longer a direct rival to the Argentine, “the legacy continues”.
Cristiano defends his move to the Saudi Arabian Championship
Cristiano Ronaldo said this Wednesday that “proud” of being a pioneer in football Saudi Arabia and he recalled that everyone thought he was crazy when he said that the Arab country’s league would be one of the best.
“I knew it, I keep saying it, Everyone thought I was crazy, but it turns out that being crazy isn’t so crazy after all… Playing in the Arab League is normal. As an Al-Nasr player, I knew this would happen,” Cristiano said at a press conference.
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The Portuguese player, who has been playing for Al-Nasr since the end of 2022, assured that he is honored to change the culture of the country and football. “I was a pioneer and proud of it. Most of all, I want her to continue to develop and be at the top, ”he said.
Cristiano downplayed criticism of the Saudi million dollar project and the players who move to their clubs, as problems and disagreements are “everywhere”.
“Criticism is normal, what league does not criticize? Where there are no problems and polemics? Problems are everywhere. Spain, Portugal…”, he commented.
As for the future, he assured that his only goal is “to go to the Eurocup and have a great Eurocup.” Let’s see the rest,” he added.
“For the last two years, I have been thinking differently. Events happened that made me think that life should be a moment. I can’t think long term anymore. Anything can happen, something happens and changes everything. Enjoying the moment is good.”
Portugal leading Group J of the Eurocup qualifiers in Germany 2024; This Friday he will meet with Slovakia in Bratislava, and next Monday with Luxembourg in the Algarve.
(According to EFE)