What exactly is Luis Suarez trying to say with this comment about Cristiano Ronaldo?

His BFF Lionel should be happy to hear this

Firstly any translated interview has to come with a major health warning, so maybe Luis Suarez may not have drawn daggers on Ronaldo, but it sure seems that way. The Barcelona striker seems to have taken a fairly hefty bite (we couldn't resist) out of the Real Madrid man's reputation as a rival to Lionel Messi in an interview with Alergian magazine Le Buteur. It's no surprise that when asked who the best player in the world is Suarez would plump for his teammate at the Camp Nou. But it's the way he said it that has us wondering what he really means in relation to the Portugal international's ability:

  'Messi is a natural, it’s his character.  He’s the best in the world, but he was born with these qualities. 'Ronaldo has progressed and he’s worked hard to get where he’s at.  He’s not at the same level he was when he debuted. I think Leo is the best.'

It seems initially to be a clear cut dig at the former Manchester United man - and that's certainly how it's being reported in numerous outlets - but perhaps Suarez is making the point that Messi is more of a pure raw talent, but Ronaldo through hard work, has honed and improved his game. And of course Ronaldo isn't at the level as when he started. He took the lift to global superstar a long time ago. Suarez is also full of praise for Liverpool who he thanks for helping manufacture the opportunity to play for Barcelona. The striker feels the club provided him with everything he needed to become a world class talent,

'With everything that I learned technically and tactically. I would say Liverpool gave me everything, it's an extraordinary club. 'In England every game is important and the fans are formidable. At Barcelona it's a bit different. I try to enjoy myself and to win every time I set foot on the pitch.'

Suarez also said that Vincent Kompany was the toughest defender he had ever faced, while he can see himself ending his career raking in the cash in the Middle east or America

'Finish my career with an Arabic team? I don’t know.  I could go to China, Japan, Qatar or the United States.  At the moment, I’m enjoying myself at Barcelona.'

H/T to Inside SpanishFootball