Bernardeschi: I've always preferred Ronaldo to Messi | OneFootball

Juventus forward Federico Bernardeschi has revealed he has always preferred team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi.

The 24-year-old admitted his preference is down to Ronaldo’s ‘infectious’ personality and not just down to ability.

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

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

Bernardeschi helped the Turin giants win a seventh consecutive Serie A title but admits the team have been boosted by Ronaldo’s arrival and are learning a lot from ‘the best player in the world’.

“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,” he explained.

“Just think abut 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.

“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.

However, despite his admiration for Ronaldo, asked whether everyone clambers to be on his team in training, he replied: “It’s actually better to have [Giorgio] Chiellini…”