Mathieu's diplomatic answer when asked to choose between Messi & Ronaldo
The Sporting defender gave an interview to the agency EFE
He chose Messi over Neymar but was less clear about Ronaldo
Jeremy Mathieu gave an interview to EFE about Barcelona, his former club who he will face in the Champions League with his new club Sporting Lisbon later this month.
The Frenchman spoke about the injury to Dembele, Messi, Neymar and even Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are some of his quotes:
Match vs. Barça. "When the game gets closer I think I will speak with some of the [Barça players] and have a joke. It's difficult [to play Barça], we're going to try and win the game like always. It will be a difficult, complicated game, but we will give are all."
Paulinho. "I don't know him, but if Barçå sign someone it's because they deserve it. He scored an important goal against Getafe."
Messi or Neymar. "Messi."
Neymar's exit. "At no moment did people thing he was going to leave Barça. But that's football, it's like that... it's his decision. My opinion is that he left Barça because he was behind Leo [Messi]. I think he wants to win the Ballon d'Or and at the moment he's happy in Paris because he's scoring goals."
Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. "I don't know Cristiano as a person, but they're two different types of player, both have their own style. I know Leo and how good a player he is."
Scoring a free-kick with Ronaldo watching. "Yes, he takes great free-kicks and I scored in front of him... I am really happy, but the most important thing was the result.
Toughest forward to mark. "There are a lot. In training, Luis Suarez is really difficult. I am going to play against him now, if I play. He is a little like Falcao, strong with his back and for a defender he's difficult to defend against."
