Manchester United player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has denied a claim that his sole ambition is to end his career with more Ballon d’Or awards than Paris St-Germain player, Lionel Messi.
Pascal Ferre, the editor in chief of the France Football which hands out the award, had claimed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the statement when he confided in him.
He told New York Times, “Ronaldo has only one ambition and that is to retire with more Ballon d’Or than Messi and I know because he told me.”
With this year’s Ballon d’Or event holding tonight, Ronaldo, who is among those nominated alongside favourite and six-time winner Messi, issued a statement denying Ferre’s claims.
He wrote on Instagram, “Today’s outcome explains why Pascal Ferré’s statements in the last week, saying that I confided in him that I had the sole ambition to end my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi.
“Pascal Ferré lied, used my name to promote himself and to promote the post he works for. It is unacceptable that (those) responsible for awarding such a prestigious award should lie like this, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Golden Ball. And lied again today justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to be.
“I always wish congratulations to those who win, within sports and fair play that have guided my career from the beginning, and I do so because I’m never against anyone. I always win for myself and the clubs I represent, I win for myself and those who want me well. I don’t win against anyone.
“The greatest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for my country’s Selection. The greatest ambition of my career is to be a good role model for all those who are or wish to be professional footballers. The greatest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in the golden letters in the history of world football.
“I end by saying that my focus is already on the upcoming Manchester United game and everything that we can still conquer this season along with my mates and our supporters. The rest? The rest is just the rest…”