Often characterized by arrogance and self-admiration, the leader of Madrid's "Real" Cristiano Ronaldo once again admitted that his eternal rival Lionel Messi was superior to him this year and deserves to win the "Golden Ball".
The 30-year-old Portuguese national team forward triumphed in the "Ballon d'Or" awards for the past two years, but he has no doubt that this year it was Messi who, along with "Barcelona", won the most important season titles.
"These awards depend on votes, and Lionel has won more than one title," admitted Messi's advantage. "Personally, it was one of my best performances in Europe, as I again became the most productive European player".
"Messi and I have been competing for this title together for eight years and no one has done it before. I have great relationships with him. We are not old friends, but we respect each other," Ronaldo spared no compliments for both his rival and himself.
However, the footballer still believes that in the future he may win his fourth "Golden Ball": "Well, I'm still young... I believe I can still do it. I intend to play for about another seven years, but the most important thing is to win trophies with the team, because otherwise there is no chance in the "Ballon d'Or" awards."
