Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he really thinks of Lionel Messi

"He's a fantastic professional, a fantastic player."

They're perceived as polar opposites, extrovert versus introvert, vain individualist versus humble team player and the embodiment of their rival clubs. However, of course the truth isn't so black and white, and it turns out, while they're not exactly best pals, the relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is professional and respectful. According to the Real Madrid forward: "In the past eight years, we are on the stage together all the time – and I never, ever, had a problem with him. He's a fantastic professional, a fantastic player. It’s just the press making that story. But it’s normal." Ronaldo, who was speaking to talkSPORT in a wide ranging interview, also said that the perceived bitterness in his relationship with Messi is a mere media concoction. "It’s to sell papers – and for the media it’s great to say that. But on the one side, while it’s very normal, on the other side… I don’t know why they do it. Because my relationship with him is good." The 30 year old also revealed a valuable lesson Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane taught him during his time at Manchester United. "I feel proud that he (Ferguson) pushed me so hard. One of his best qualities is that he pushed players when they needed it – and in that period of time, I needed it. I needed him – and Roy Keane too, our captain – always screaming to me: ‘Cristiano! Pass the ball!’ But it was good! At the end of the day, I feel happy, because I learned a lot from them."