LISBON — The Portuguese national team's captain, world-renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, has reiterated that his supporters have no reason to feel ill will against Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Both players, according to Ronaldo, have irrevocably altered the course of football history.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Ronaldo said: "If you adore Cristiano, there's no need to hate Messi. Portugal's national team will begin training during the first international break of the year.
"They both merit recognition since they altered the direction of football history. They are no longer competing with one another. In Saudi Arabia and the American League, both are succeeding.
When asked about his competition with Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentine national team, Ronaldo responded, "I don't see things that way.
"For fifteen years, we performed together. Although I won't call us buddies, we do respect one another. The crowd enjoyed the competition with Messi because it was terrific.
After five rounds of games in the Saudi Arabian Pro League, Ronaldo, who now leads the league in scoring, said about the Saudi league:
"The Saudi league is better than the Portuguese league," he said. Top players are more numerous in Saudi Arabia.
The captain of the Al-Nassr team said, "For me, playing for Al-Nassr and playing in the Saudi League has become normal. I anticipated this would occur.
"It's a wonderful honor for me to alter the culture there, not just via football but also by sending great players there. It gives me great joy and pride.
Ronaldo said as he was drawing to a close, "Why not give them (Saudi Arabia) the chance? I'm happy that I was a pioneer in that field. But my greatest wish is for Saudi Arabia to advance in the upcoming years.
