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Speaking while on international duty, Ronaldo said: “It was a good rivalry. It was claimed that Cristiano hates Messi and vice versa but that wasn’t true. We have changed the history of football.<\/p>\n
“The legacy continues and we shared the stage for 15 years so the respect is there. I’m not saying that we are friends, I never chatted with him, but I respect him.”<\/p>\n
Ronaldo has also slammed critics of his move to Saudi Arabia last year. The 38-year-old was the first in a long line of high-profile stars to move to the country when he signed for Al-Nassr in December.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He claims he was called \u2018crazy\u2019 for switching to the Middle East following his axing by Manchester United. Ronaldo – who has six goals in four Saudi Pro League appearances this season – suggests it is now \u2018normal\u2019 to play in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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DON’T MISS… <\/strong> “Everyone thought it was crazy. Well, the crazy guy is not so crazy now. Now, it’s normal to play in the Arab League,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI knew this was going to happen and I’m glad I’m helping to change a culture. I want the Arab league to continue to evolve in the coming years to be the top league.\u201d<\/p>\n It comes on transfer deadline day for Saudi Pro League clubs. Not content with signing the likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and N\u2019Golo Kante, Saudi Arabia is desperate to add one more megastar to their league.\u00a0<\/p>\n Reports suggest that Al-Ittihad were preparing a blockbuster world-record \u00a3200m offer for Liverpool\u2019s Mohamed Salah. However, the Premier League side will do everything to keep their star player.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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