Who wouldn’t want a superstar of the caliber of Lionel Messi to play for your team and those were the thoughts shared by Brazilian footballing icon, Ronaldo.
Who wouldn’t want a superstar of the caliber of Lionel Messi to play for your team and those were the thoughts shared by Brazilian footballing icon, Ronaldo. The former Brazil maestro was of the opinion that if Messi did not play for Argentina, the former would have happily roped in for his national side.
Says Ronaldo, “If Messi did not play for Argentina, I would love to have him (with us). I would prefer Messi to Diego (Maradona), even though Diego is also my friend.” The 37-year-old World Cup winner said he had no problem with players switching allegiances if they hold dual nationality.
Ronaldo’s comments came after Brazil-born Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa earlier this week confirmed his desire to play for Spain. The move was backed by the Spanish football federation (RFEF), which has already submitted a request for approval from football’s governing body FIFA.
Earlier this week, England midfielder Jack Wilshere stirred controversy by claiming only English players should represent the national team. His comments followed reports that England’s Football Association had sought to convince Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj to play for the country. Januzaj, 18, was born in Belgium and is also eligible to represent Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Turkey.
With inputs from IANS
