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Ronaldo shrugs off Messi supporters

Comment: 0 October 10th, 2011 by: admin

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo recently insisted that he is not at all affected by crowd members taunting him with chants supporting his rival, Barcelona striker Lionel Messi.

This statement came after Portugal’s Euro 2012 qualifying match against Cyprus.  The game, which ended with a 4-0 Portugal win, also featured Cyprus fans booing and taunting at Ronaldo, as well as chanting ‘Messi! Messi!’

Although the incident occurred a few weeks back, Ronaldo was again seen speaking of the incident after Portugal routed Iceland 5-3 during the Group stage match Friday.

The striker stated that he was in no way bothered by the chants.

‘These things are abnormal things,’ the striker said.  ‘And, I don’t care about them.’

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has endured for years, and both are considered two of the best football players today.

Their stark differences as individuals have also been highly publicised.  As Messi has been regarded as the silent hero ready to bring full support to his squad, Ronaldo has been presented as the superstar with the arrogance to back it up.

Certain observations – specifically that of former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster – say that Ronaldo seems to have become a less selfish player.

It was days after this comment when Ronaldo insisted that his playing has always been seen as a source of great entertainment for spectators.

‘I think all those who like football are happy when Cristiano Ronaldo is playing.’

Remarks like such have not been rare as far as the striker is concerned.  Fairly recently he stated that the massive fan hostility towards him was stemming from deep-seated envy.

‘I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me,’ he had said.  ‘I don’t have any other explanation.’

Currently wearing the captain armband for Portugal, Ronaldo will likely be back in action against Denmark for the group stages Tuesday.

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