After failing to clinch this year’s Ballon d’Or award, Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, came out forward on Monday to congratulate Luka Modric who won the award. At the same time, the Portuguese challenged his long-time rival Lionel Messi to seek more outside Spain and maybe join him in Italy.
“I played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, in the national team, while he is still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more,” Ronaldo said. “For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy. I would like him to come to Italy one day. Like me, accept the challenge.”
Cristiano also made sure to compliment the Barcelona forward all while admitting he would respect the Argentine’s decision either way.
“I would like him to come to Italy one day. Like me, accept the challenge. However, if he is happy there, I respected him. He is a fantastic player, a good guy but I do not miss anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.”
Ronaldo and Messi have been two of the world’s best players in the last eleven years, winning five Ballon d’Or awards each. Things have been different this year. Not only did both players flop with their national teams at the Russia World Cup but neither won a major award.
Messi is yet to respond to Ronaldo and only time will tell what his decision will be.
