Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at claims made by Ballon d’Or organiser Pascal Ferre. The footballer said that the editor of France Football formulated lies about the star’s rivalry with 7-time Ballon d’Or winning rival Lionel Messi.
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On Friday, Pascal Ferre gave an interview to the New York Times and claimed that the Portuguese number 7’s only ambition is to retire with more golden balls than his arch-rival Lionel Messi.
The Argentinan international has extended his lead to two Ballon d’Ors over the Portuguese, who has five to his name. Messi joined Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer following a shock exit from his boyhood club FC Barcelona. Robert Lewandowski was a close second while Chelsea’s midfielder Jorginho came in at third place.
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In an Instagram award posted on the night of the award ceremony, Cristiano wrote, “Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for.”
“It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d’Or.”
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“I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who love me. I don’t win against someone.”
“I always congratulate whoever wins, within sportsmanship and fair play that shaped my career from the beginning, and I do it because I’m never against anyone,” Cristiano wrote.
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The Portuguese added, “The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.”
Cristiano also claimed that Pascal lied about his absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to be.
France Football is yet to respond to Cristiano’s statement.
