Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo
has told Coach magazine he does not have a “big rivalry” with
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and instead there is a “big mutual respect”
between the pair.

Ronaldo, 31, and Messi, 29, are
considered two of the best players in the world and have consistently
starred in La Liga in recent years, competing for rival clubs Real and
Barca.

When asked which opponent he admires the
most, Ronaldo said, “There is a big mutual respect between myself and
Lionel Messi. The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry,
but we don’t. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual
respect on both sides.”

Messi has scored 14 goals in 11
appearances for his club this season while Ronaldo has four goals in
nine appearances for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo cited himself when asked who has
been the key influence on his career while he was also quizzed on which
teammate had been his biggest inspiration.

The Portugal international said,  “My biggest inspiration has always been myself; nobody puts bigger demands on me than me.

“I said I admired Figo and Rui Costa,
but I never wanted to emulate anybody – I have just always focused on
being the best me I can.”

Ronaldo went on to discuss his most
important lesson that football has taught him, adding: “To use negative
people and experiences to motivate you. I actually need my haters – they
have helped me achieve all I have achieved.”

Table-toppers Real are next in action at Alaves in La Liga on Saturday while reigning champions Barcelona host Granada.

Source; Punch