Cristiano Ronaldo is targeting a haul of eight Balon d'Ors to establish himself as the undisputed best player in the world ahead of arch rival Lionel Messi.
The Portuguese superstar currently holds five titles, tied with the Barcelona talisman, as the two continue to tussle over becoming the greatest player to grace the sport in the present day.
And in a revealing interview with Piers Morgan for ITV, Ronaldo explained he believed he deserves a record number of the prestigious award.
When questioned what trophy record he would like to set before retirement, the 34-year-old said: 'The most golden balls in the history of football. I will love it and I think I deserve it.
'Messi is a fantastic guy and a fantastic player, but I think after I have six, or seven, or eight then I’ll be more above him.'
Ronaldo also described the diminutive Argentine as the best player he has faced throughout his illustrious career, although he admitted the two weren't close friends off the field.
'My relationship with him, we’re not 'home' friends but we've shared the stage for 15 years,' he added.
'I have a good relationship, and I know that he pushes me to be a better player and I push him as well.'
In the wide-ranging hour spent with ITV presenter Morgan, the mercurial attacker was also quizzed on the legacy he wished to leave behind.
Ronaldo duly responded with his wish to be one of the greatest players in football history, and revealed his belief that he already tops the list of all-time legends.
He said: 'I cannot control what the people like, some people like this player or that player. For me, (I am) the number one in history. I know I’m one of the greatest ever in the history of football.'
The Juventus striker even admitted he wanted the title of 'number one' in the world to be etched onto his tombstone, and jokingly added: 'Not number seven, number one!'
Tacbdkpryz
244
this is the difference between Messi and Cr7. Messi doesn't talk about winning individual awards. but Cristiano always talking about baland'O. I think this guy a bit frustrated. coz he understand that Messi is having more chance than thim to win more baland'O.
buoacnuyz
190
Even u win 10 ballon dor, u will not be better than messi. infact he is really a fool. I always thought he does so for advertising. Like winning CL with 3 different club. But Sir u a great player but class is class. Messi is something else.
yeuanop
137
did you know how it's going from one club to club winning trophy, let messi try it first
FootballAddict
116
Whats wrong with ronaldo saying he wants to win more golden ball then? Thats because he wants it,and he will try to win it,isnt it something good to have a motivation like that? Did he say anything bad about messi either? All i see is that he always talk with the upmost respect about messi or any other footballers,but lets face the truth,he wants to be the best,and he is arguabaly one of the best already in the history of football,its a fact. Why all these barca d**gs b***rking all over here? Cant they read properly the article and understand what he really said and mean?
malymhl
85
Cristiano Ibrahimovich
DanMarchall
69
I see why Barca fan are excited about this post. In life you need to have objectives, targets higher. That’s what Cr7 has. The value you give yourself determines who you are and how far you can go. Ronaldo has confidence that’s why he’s always responds present when the team needs him the most. When seen his attitude in the champions league. Even when they are down by 3 goals he comes back with a Remontada. Not once but several times. If you want to be the best/successful start by believing it yourself. Tell your mind that you can do it. Trust me you will achieve it. Cr7 has nothing to prove to haters. Like it or not Ronaldo is ambitious. Cr7 the Best
fidbknr
68
So there we are again. First of all, CR7 knows he isn't above Messi. He needs to win more Ballon d'Ors to be above Messi ,as per himself. So that means CR7 fans shd stop putting him above Messi ,bcos he himself doesn't. Secondly, Ronaldo is more motivated by Messi ,he benefits more from Messi ,he plays better because of Messi , because he wants to best Messi . He has said it himself. It's true Messi benefits from CR7 too but us we know Messi just plays the game because he loves the game ,he doesn't play to be better than any player,or to win any individual trophy,he plays to win with the team. Thirdly,CR7 just talked abt Messi AGAIN. An obsession of some kind ,not so?
Sawbelno
55
people like Messi are Born once in every 50 years
Tumackps
53
it would have been better if he wants to be best but what he wants is to be better than messi
HtainGyi
44
So sad, CR7 era is already finished.