Ronaldo calls out Ballon d’Or “lies”
In case you were hoping to see the Manchester United forward in his glad rags, I can confirm that this will not be happening, at least not in these awards.
Cristiano earlier announced that he would not be attending, and many jumped to the conclusion that he would be gutted to see Lionel Messi win yet another golden trophy.
Pascal Ferre, the editor in chief of France Football had claimed Ronaldo had revealed to him his only career goal was to win more Ballons d’Or than the Argentine.
But Ronaldo used Instagram to fire back:
“Today’s outcome explains why Pascal Ferre’s statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballons d’Or than Lionel Messi.
“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.
“And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist.”
Ronaldo sends message to winners
“I always want to congratulate those who win, within the sportsmanship and fair-play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I’m never against anyone.
“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 anyone.
“The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country.
“The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers.
“The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.
“I will end by saying that my focus is already on Manchester United’s next game and on everything that, together with my team-mates and our fans, we can still achieve this season.
“The rest? The rest is just the rest…”