Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo was all praises for rival Lionel Messi at the Champions League group stage draw, saluting him for sharing football's stage for 15 years.
Seated next to each other, the pair were seen conversing and appeared to enjoy each other’s company.
When the players were asked about each other prior to the naming of the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, Ronaldo said he hopes to have dinner with the Barcelona player in the future.
“We shared the stage for 15 years, me and him,” Ronaldo said. “I don’t know that it’s ever happened in football, the same two guys, the same stage, all the time. It’s not easy.
“We have a good relationship. We’ve not had dinner together yet, but I hope [we will] in the future.
“Of course I miss playing in Spain – we’ve had that battle the last 15 years, which is good. It pushed me and I pushed him as well.
“It’s good to be part of the history of football. I’m there and of course, he’s there as well.”
Ronaldo was also asked about rumours of him retiring at the end of the season and if his exit would coincide with Messi’s. The Portugal footballer in a very cheeky way said, “He’s two years younger than me, but I think I look good for my age. I hope to be here next year and then in two years and three years. So the people that don’t like me, they’re going to see me here.”
As for the Men's Player of the Year award, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won after securing 305 points. Messi had 207 points while Ronaldo had to settle on the third spot with just 74 points.
Apart from this, the 29-year-old also won the Defender of the Season award.
