Cristiano Ronaldo: Messi and I changed history, but our rivalry is over
Cristiano Ronaldo announced the end of the long-standing competition with Lionel Messi. Since this summer, both are no longer in Europe, after Leo went to the USA, and the Portuguese has been in Saudi Arabia since the winter. "Messi and I changed the history of football. We shared the same stage for 15 years, our rivalry was good and the fans loved it, but it's over now," Ronaldo told his country's national team press conference.
"If you love Cristiano, you don't need to hate Messi. I wouldn't say we are friends, but we respect each other," the Al-Nasser forward continued. The former Real Madrid ace will turn 39 next winter, but is buoyed by the good start to his career in the Middle East.
"At first, when I went there, everyone said I was crazy. But now you see what is happening in Saudi Arabia. The championship there will overtake that of Portugal in strength and will become stronger and stronger. I am proud to have pioneered the development of the Saudi league and I want the league there to continue in the same way. It is a great honor for me to change the culture and not just the football team and championship. I am proud to see more and more stars coming there," Ronaldo is happy.
He does not agree with the criticism that his indicators may not be like previous years: "I think I made people get used to some numbers for me and that's why sometimes it seems that they were lower later. I did a good job before the start of the season and I think I will score more than 17 goals this campaign. I will try to be at the highest level possible. I want to help - either in the club or in the national team."
Portugal are currently fighting for a place at Euro 2024, but the question is whether Cristiano will stay for the World Cup in 2026, when he will be 41 years old. “I'll be honest with you. I've been thinking differently for two years now. Things have happened that have made me believe that life can turn out to be just a moment. I can't think long term anymore because anything can happen.
It's okay to enjoy the moment. Now my goal is to be at the European Championship and perform well there, and then we'll see. Life is dynamic and you never know what can happen.” So far in his illustrious career, CR7 boasts 850 goals. “I want more than that 850… Let's take it slow, obviously aiming for the 900 hit goal. So far I feel great in the national team and I want it to continue.
