By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment Fashion and Sports Desk)
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his admiration for Lionel Messi, and described his perceived rivalry with the Argentine as “healthy competition.”
Ronadlo and Messi went head-to-head during the former’s nine-year spell with Real Madrid fighting for individual and club honours.
Since 2008, the duo have won all but one of the Ballon d’Or accolades.
Despite the intense rivalry between the duo, Ronaldo admitted he has enjoyed squaring up against the Barcelona superstar.
Speaking to newsmen, Ronaldo said: “I really admire the career he has had so far. He has already said that he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry that he appreciates.”
“It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception.
:Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula One.
“The only common point between all the big rivalries in the sport is that they are healthy.”
