Former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves greater respect.
The released Manchester United striker has been heavily criticised after a disappointing World Cup with Portugal, along with the manner of his departure from Old Trafford.
Nesta, formerly of AC Milan and Lazio, has recalled stopping Lionel Messi during his career: "If when you are trying to perform against a phenomenon like him, you have to go home and consider yourself lucky. Messi is unique, the strongest in recent years."
Then on Ronaldo, he added: "He should not be forgotten: there has been fury against him, perhaps out of a form of envy. He deserves more respect."
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helkath
22
Finally, someone is bold enough to say it
Factos
9
I would not say there is envy against him. Most of us respect him. He got 4 Balon For during prime Messi. He is only one who challenged the GOAT. The hate is due to his toxic fans ( not all are toxic, but most are). Leo has his share but very less in comparison. Most recently both Messi n Ronaldo were trolled 'Where is Ronaldo/Messi?' Most Messi fans kept silent. But CR7 fans went of the hook, they even threatened to r@p3 n kill a 10yr old Moroccan child for it. It's not just the unknown ones. Ronaldo's sister needlessly trolled Messi for an overhead kick and put a pic with Messi kneeling- without any relation Cr7 to the goal. Piers Morgan first wrote Messi is out of WC, oops after Morocco's portugal drubbing.