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Patrice Evra has rubbished ideas that his backing of Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi is based on his friendship with the Juventus superstar.
The Manchester United legend, 38, spent eight years at Old Trafford and watched Ronaldo develop into a world-class forward.
But Evra has argued that he throws his full support behind the Portuguese forward ahead of Messi because he is the “most professional player I ever played with.”
He explained on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “He was the one that if we had training at 10, he would be there at 8.
“He was the last to leave the training ground, practicing his skill.
“That’s why, when we compare him to Messi, I always choose Cristiano and people say it’s just because he’s my friend.
“I just think Messi, it’s just a gift, it’s talent. God said, ‘Go on, go and play with those kids.’
“But Cristiano worked so hard. He’s a machine.
“He doesn’t want to lose anything. He even wants to be the most beautiful guy, he wants to be the one that is dressing the best.”
Ronaldo, 34, won his first Ballon d’Or during his time at United and is currently deadlocked with Barcelona captain Messi at five apiece.
The Portugal captain continued to build on his illustrious playing career and scooped four more of France Football’s coveted prize at Real Madrid.
When Evra was asked if he was surprised by Ronaldo’s success, the ex-United left-back responded: “I’m not.
“I remember when we were talking with Cristiano when he won his first Ballon d’Or, he talked to me and said ‘I have to win at least five,’ and that’s what he did, so I’m not surprised.”
France Football, the magazine behind the Ballon d’Or, on Monday dropped the 30-man shortlist for the 2019 award and Ronaldo has once again been nominated.
Evra also caused quite the stir with Arsenal fans as he called the Gunners “my babies” after their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
But Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has slammed Evra over the “bulls**t” comments that he made.
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