Cristiano Ronaldo is back claiming he wants to beat Lionel Messi’s record for winning the Ballon d’Or

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at a “disrespectful” statement that his only remaining ambition was to win Ballon d’Or more times than Lionel Messi. Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi won the prestigious award for the seventh time on Monday. Ronaldo, who came sixth in this year’s vote, has won the Ballon d’Or five times. The Golden Ball, awarded to the best male and female players of the year, was voted for by 180 journalists and awarded by France Football.

Pascal Ferre, editor-in-chief of France Football, was quoted in the New York Times recently as saying Ronaldo told him his main motivation was to retire from winning trophies more often than his old rival Messi.

Ronaldo, 36, took to Instagram to decline that offer.

“Today’s results explain the statements made by Pascal Ferre last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition is to finish my career with more Ballon d’Or than Lionel Messi.” , wrote Ronaldo.

“Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and promote the publication for which he worked. It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious award could be able to do so. lying in this way, out of absolute disrespect to someone who has always respected France. Football and the Ballon d’Or,” he added.

“The biggest ambition in my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country,” explains Ronaldo.

“The biggest ambition in my career is to be a shining example for everyone who is or wants to be a professional footballer. The biggest ambition in my career is to have my name written in words. gold in the history of world football,” he added.

Ronaldo, who did not attend Monday’s awards event in Paris, last won the Ballon d’Or in 2017.

This year marks the first time the former Juventus and Real Madrid forward has left the top poll since 2010.

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Messi’s seventh success extended his lead in the men’s category after he set the record with a sixth in 2019.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the 2021 Women’s Ballon d’Or.

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