Dani Alves brands Cristiano Ronaldo self centred, says cannot influence games like Messi

Alves feels Messi offers much more to the team than Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves claimed Cristiano Ronaldo is more interested in personal glory than team success, AS Sports reports. Speaking to Bola da Vez, the 32-year-old also said the reigning World Player of the Year had little influence on the outcome of matches unlike his La Blaugranes team-mate Lionel Messi.

The 32-year-old Brazilian, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with Barcelona, is known for his bold comments but is seen as someone who speaks his mind. Alves hit the headlines recently after claiming Pep Guardiola wanted to coach Brazil ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

When asked about his opinion as to who the better footballer is when it comes to Ronaldo and Messi, Alves certainly didn’t mince any words in his reply. He gave his full backing to his Barca team mate, citing his importance to the team as the crucial factor.

“Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has a divine gift. He can influence on the game, plays and assists. Cristiano is hard working, but see if he has an influence on the game beyond scoring goals and appearing on certain plays,” Alves told Bola da Vez. “We have our fights, but I admire him. He is very competitive and a guy with great dedication .”

Alves then launched a scathing attack on the Real Madrid superstar suggesting Ronaldo was not interested in team success.

“There are certain things I do not admire because I play for the team. I think my team is more important than me. I think he (Ronaldo) cares little for what really matters, which is the collective (part of the game). So much so that some criticised us during the title celebrations while he held the top scorer award,” Alves told.

Alves offers insight on the Messi-Enrique spat at Barcelona

Alves says that all is well between Messi and Enrique

Alves offered his take on the much talked about confrontation between Messi and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique saying that a battle of words did occur, before adding that all is in the past now.

“Fights often come by wanting to improve. We all have the same goal. Of course, there was anger but people talked it up. It all started during a match in training. Messi interpreted a decision in one way and Enrique in another. Messi is very competitive and never want to lose. His team lost and the discussion grew,” Alves told Bola da Vez.

I have been 100% focussed with Barcelona, always

The Brazilian international also opened up on his own contract situation at Nou Camp. Alves came close to leaving Barcelona after his agent claimed in April that his client would leave the club on a free transfer but then performed a dramatic U-turn to sign a two-year extension.

“When I had six months to the end of my contract, I could have signed a pre-contract with another team, but I refused. I decided to be honest to the end, focussing 100% to do a great job and in June sign with another club if we do not reach an agreement,” Alves told Bola da Vez.