Cristiano Ronaldo has accused the France Football editor Pascal Ferre of lying, after he said the Manchester United forward’s only ambition in football was to retire with more Ballon d’Or awards than Lionel Messi.
Ferre, who organises the Ballon d’Or, made the claim to the New York Times.
He said: “Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi – and I know that because he has told me.”
Ronaldo, 36, said on Instagram: “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.
“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.
“The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.”
Messi, who joined Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona during the summer, beat Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho to claim a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or award.
Ronaldo has won the individual prize five times.
The Ballon d’Or is voted for by 180 journalists worldwide and presented by the sports magazine France Football.
(Photo: Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
