Gerard Pique: "Perfect machine" Cristiano Ronaldo has the strength to beat Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gerard Pique have been on opposite sides of the El Classico, but have previous acquaintance from Manchester United

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has claimed that Ballon d‘Or awardee Cristiano Ronaldo is a perfect machine and a footballer he likes. The arch rivals know each other from their days at Manchester United as youngsters and have been close to each other even though their clubs have one of the biggest rivalries in club football.

Ronaldo is a hard worker and keeps on going

In an interview with Voetbal magazine, the Spain international talked about the comparisons between Ronaldo and Messi.

“Cristiano is a perfect machine, a hard worker who always wants to improve,”

“He demands a lot from himself, something that he showed at United, but the most surprising thing is that Lionel Messi won four Ballon d’Ors in a row and he still kept on going and has the strength to beat him.”

“People always draw conclusions about him based on specific things he does without actually getting to know him.”

“He’s changed in recent years. I know him from United and we got on well. He helped me a lot in Manchester,” remarked the Catalonian defender.

The Portuguese international footballer is pipped to retain the Ballon d’Or crown in January and has also had a fantastic season till now, having netted 26 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions.