The editor of France Football claimed that the Manchester United forward wanted to retire with more Ballons d'Or than Lionel Messi.
The Portuguese, who has won the prestigious accolade five times, took to social media on Monday to refute the claims made by Pascal Ferré, who spoke to the New York Times ahead of the 2021 awards.
Messi won the men's award for a record seventh time.
Lionel Messi has won a seventh Ballon d'Or.
Ronaldo wants to retire with more Ballon d'Or than Messi, according to Ferré. I know because he told me.
However, Ferré "lied" during the interview, according to the version of events disputed byRonaldo.
The statement said that the comments by Ferré last week that I told him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballons d'Or than Lionel Messi was related to today's outcome.
Paco Ferré used my name to promote himself and the publication that he works for. It's not right for the person responsible for handing out the prestigious award to lie and disrespect someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or. He lied again today to justify my absence from the ceremony due to an alleged quarantine.
I always congratulate whoever wins, in conjunction with the sportsmanship and fair play that have underpinned my career since the start, and I do that because I'm never against anyone. I win for myself and the clubs that I represent. I win for myself and for those who love me. I do not win against anyone.
The two superstars shake hands.
"My biggest ambition in my career is to win a trophy at club and international level, for the clubs that I play for and my national team," he said. I want to set a good example for everyone who wants to be a professional footballer. My greatest ambition in my career is to have my name written in gold.
I will finish by saying that my focus is already on Manchester United's next game and everything that we can still achieve this season alongside my teammates and our fans. The rest is just that.
Sky Sports News contacted France Football.
