RONALDO PIPS MESSI TO WIN BALLON D’OR

PORTUGUESE STAR DRAWS LEVEL WITH ARGENTINIAN AT 5 AWARDS

PARIS: Cristiano Ronaldo has labelled himself the “best player in history” after winning the Ballon d’or for a record-equalling fifth time.

The Real Madrid superstar beat Lionel Messi and Neymar to the prestigious individual honour, which was presented at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Thursday.

That win brings him level with Messi as the most successful player in the history of the award, but Ronaldo sees himself as being a cut above.

Not only does he consider himself to be better than all current professionals, the Portuguese also believes he is of a higher standard than every player to come before him as well. “I am the best player in history, both in good moments and the bad moments,” the 32-yearold told France Football.

“I respect everyone’s opinions, but I haven’t ever seen anyone who is better than me. I’ve always thought this. No player can do the things that I can. There isn’t a player more complete than me. I play well with either foot, I’m quick, powerful, good with my head, I score goals, I assist goals.

The Portuguese star added: “There are people who prefer Neymar or Messi. But I’ll tell you; there is no player more complete than I am. No one’s won as many individual trophies as I have, and I’m not just speaking about the Ballon d’or. That speaks, doesn’t it?

“I won the Ballon d’or before Messi. He then overtook me, winning four in a row. I won’t hide from you that I was sad and Cristiano Ronaldo points Messi points Neymar points angry. I attended the award ceremonies and never won. I was even demotivated at one point. I didn’t want to go (to the ceremonies). But in football it’s the end that counts, not the start. I stayed patient and I won four more Ballons d’or.”

Zinedine Zidane also agreed with Ronaldo’s bold claim. “Yes. There are lots of players who have been very successful in this club, but no one has achieved what he has, and what he’s still going to achieve,” said Zidane.