I’VE ALWAYS PREFERRED CRISTIANO RONALDO OVER BARCELONA STAR - JUVENTUS ACE

JUVENTUS attacker Federico Bernardeschi has hailed new team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and insisted he’s always preferred him to Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo left Real Madrid after nine years in Spain and took his considerable talents to Italian football and Juventus.

The Portugal international has had a mixed time with three goals and a controversial red card in his first eight games.

In Ronaldo’s absence, Messi has become the main man in La Liga.

Last night the Argentine star dazzled for Barcelona at Wembley as they beat Tottenham 4-2 in the Champions League.

But Bernardeschi feels there is only one winner in the best player in the world debate.

“We all know Ronaldo the player and personally I’ve always considered him the best in the world,” Bernardeschi told Tuttosport.

“I’ve always preferred him to Messi. What I’ve discovered is that he’s an exceptional person, a humble lad with an extraordinary personality which he transmits to everyone. It’s infectious. It’s in that regard that I’ve always preferred him to Messi.

“I remember the final of the European Championships when he had to go off injured in the first half, but on the bench, he was an added coach.

“Juve was already an extraordinary club in terms of a winning mentality, with nothing to learn from anyone, but the arrival of Cristiano brought something more.

“Just think about his red card against Valencia: the fact he’s won five Champions Leagues and five Ballons d’Or and cried because he was sent off tells you a lot about his passion.

“I went over to him to tell him to be calm because he’s the best in the world and I didn’t want to see him cry. He didn’t deserve it because it really was an unjust red card.

“Having Ronaldo close is an example for the youngsters, even at a great club like Juve. You have to be intelligent, you’re training with the best player in the world and if you’re lucky enough to do that you need to try and steal a few things.

“It’s like riding a wave, he has helped me and still is. He’s an example to follow, obviously staying firm on your personality and objectives.

“I think Real Madrid have lost a lot when the best in the world leaves you feel it. I think he deserves the Ballon d’Or, he also shone at the World Cup. He scored a hat-trick against Spain and not everyone can do that.

“[Luka] Modric is a champion, but if I have to judge an individual award then, in my opinion, Cristiano made the difference in everything, also on a human level.

“He’s a step above the others, over the past 10 years he and Messi have been so superior that there’s no contest. When they retire someone else can win.”