Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi was "healthy" for both players.
The Portuguese, speaking to France Football, explained how pair pushed each other on to greatness after they were nominated for yet another Ballon d'Or.
"Facing each other in Spain allowed us to improve. When I was at Real Madrid, I felt this pressure. It was a healthy rivalry."
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi was "healthy" for both players.
The Portuguese, speaking to France Football, explained how pair pushed each other on to greatness after they were nominated for yet another Ballon d'Or.
"Facing each other in Spain allowed us to improve. When I was at Real Madrid, I felt this pressure. It was a healthy rivalry."
Asked about his favourite goal, the former Real Madrid star chose the overhead kick he scored against Juve in the quarter-finals of the 2017-18 Champions League.
The No 7 is famous for his dedication to training, and when pressed on his secret to staying at the top of the game, he maintains it's all down to hard work.
"First of all you need talent, otherwise you won’t amount to much. However, talent is useless without hard work.
"I would never have got to where I am today without the culture of hard work."