Cristiano Ronaldo interview: Forward talks about Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo interview: The Juventus star sat down with Gazzetta Dello Sport to discuss his time with the Italian side so far.

The Portuguese forward joined Juventus in a stunning transfer from Real Madrid at the beginning of the season. Ronaldo has enjoyed his time in Turin so far, becoming the fastest to 10 goals across competitions in Juventus’ history.

His transfer to the Italian champions came as a shock for Real Madrid, who underwent their worst goalless run in club’s history. His departure also ended his rivalry in Spain with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Messi has previously admitted that Ronaldo’s transfer came as a ‘surprise’ to him. “I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or joining Juventus,” Messi said in September.

The Portuguese forward, meanwhile, spoke about his Argentine compatriot for the first time since leaving Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo interview:

Ronaldo stated that he ‘doesn’t miss’ Lionel Messi, but challenged him to come to Italy. In a comprehensive interview about his time at Juventus, the Portuguese forward opened up on the current state of his rivalry with Messi.

“I don’t miss him. Maybe he misses me,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo on Messi: “I don’t miss him. Maybe he misses me. I played in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal and he’s still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more. I’d like him to come to Italy one day and accept the challenge, like I did. But I respect if he’s happy in Barça.” [gds] pic.twitter.com/o25xAjsWH8

— Barça Centre (@barcacentre) December 10, 2018

The forward insisted that he played in four countries across Europe, while Messi has been in Spain since the beginning of his career.

“I played in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal and he’s still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more. I’d like him to come to Italy one day and accept the challenge, like I did. But I respect if he’s happy in Barça,” the forward stated.

Ronaldo “This is the best group I’ve ever played with. At Juventus we really feel like a team, unlike elsewhere where some players feel like they are better than others. Here everyone is humble, if Dybala or Mandzukic don’t score you see still see them happy. That is beautiful.” pic.twitter.com/hUrJ8UV1UV

— Tarek Khatib (@ADP1113) December 10, 2018

His comments come after Ronaldo finished second in the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Messi, meanwhile, failed to make into the top-3 for the first time since 2007. The Argentine star finished fifth in the final rankings.

Ronaldo congratulated his former teammate Luka Modric for lifting the Ballon d’Or, but believes that he deserved to win the trophy – a statement which resonates with what he said two months ago.

Q: Today marks 5 months since you’ve joined Juventus, how has it been?

Ronaldo “I’m very happy. The city is really nice, the fans are very kind & Juventus is a fantastic club, that is incredibly organized. The players here are humble & they work very hard. It’s been fantastic.” pic.twitter.com/tZBsHiYz29

— Tarek Khatib (@ADP1113) December 10, 2018

“I think I deserve it every year, I work for that, but if I don’t win it’s not the end of the world. I respect the decision. On the pitch I’ve done everything to win it, the numbers don’t lie, but don’t think that I’m less happy if I don’t win,” Ronaldo said.