Ronaldo: Messi and I are not good friends
The Portugal captain has faced plenty of high-profile stoppers since making his professional debut at Sporting, but named Cole as the most stubborn.
“Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe,” Ronaldo told Coach Magazine. “He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
One defender who has been battling alongside Ronaldo rather than against him is Pepe, and the forward has nothing but praise for his club and national teammate.
“Pepe is the teammate I would want next to me in a war,” he continued. “Not only is he a fantastic defender, but he leaves nothing on the field. He gives everything.”
