Cristiano Ronaldo: Rivalry with Messi made me a better player

The Portuguese superstar also discussed his obsession with the game and his tally of 700 goals.

The former Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the usual suspect in the 30-man shortlist for the biggest individual prize, the Ballon d’Or given out by France Football.

In an interview with France Football he described his feelings after scoring 700 career goals and said, “700 goals. It's still an impressive total that makes me all the more proud that only few players have reached.”

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When asked about his favorite goal Cristiano Ronaldo replied, “If you ask me to choose, I would say the goal against Juventus (During his time at Real Madrid). Because it's a goal I've been trying to score for years." 

On his obsession with football and rivalry with Messi

“At the age of 19-20, I understood that football was about numbers, titles, records and goals," said Ronaldo.

He also thinks that the rivalry with his Argentine counterpart Lionel Messi made him a better player. “Being against each other in Spain allowed us to be better, more efficient players.” He also went on to add, “At Real, I felt more his presence than Manchester. So, a little more pressure. From a certain point of view, it was a healthy rivalry.”

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Hard-work is the key for success

"But, what does it take to be a prolific scorer?  First talent. Without that, you cannot do much. After, talent without work is useless. Nothing falls from the sky. I would never have reached where I am without my work force.”

On his future plans

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also discussed his future plans and said, “My goal is to stay young, as I get older, to stay as competitive as I am today. Give me a player who performs as much as I do at the same age, in a team like Juventus?” he asked.