Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at the editor of France Football over 'lies' claiming that he described his main career goal as winning more Ballons d'Or than Lionel Messi.
Pascal Ferre recently claimed to have personally spoken to Ronaldo and heard the Manchester United man openly admit that his only ambition is to come out on top against his fierce career rival.
Ronaldo, perhaps unsurprisingly, has a very different version of events, and took to Instagram to call Ferre a liar ahead of the 2021 awards ceremony.
"Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for," Ronaldo said. "It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or.
"And he lied again today when justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist.
"I always want to congratulate those who win with the sportsmanship and fair-play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I'm never against anyone. I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent. I win for myself and for those who love me. I don't win against anyone.
"The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country. The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.