<
>

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo slams Xavi over Ballon d'Or failure

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at Xavi over his claims that Lionel Messi was a better player by pointing out that the former Barcelona midfielder had never won a Ballon d'Or himself.

Ronaldo, 31, netted in the 5-2 win over Osasuna on Saturday and was asked about Xavi's comments earlier this week.

"I'm the most searched player on the internet," Ronaldo said in quotes reported by Marca. "Anyone who wants free publicity or media attention talks about me.

"I couldn't care less about what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where. He's won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he's never won a Ballon D'Or.

"It's a privilege for me to have won the Ballon d'Or three times with Messi contending for the award."

Ronaldo won the award in 2008, 2013 and 2014, while he also claimed his first international trophy this summer by helping Portugal to win Euro 2016.