Ronaldo plays down Messi rivalry as Ballon d'Or looms

Real Madrid star says there is 'big mutual respect' between the players - even if they don't vote for each other

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(Image credit: FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images)

He's favourite to steal the Ballon d'Or award from Barcelona's Lionel Messi this year, but Cristiano Ronaldo has played down the pair's rivalry.

In an interview with Coach magazine, the Real Madrid star dismissed talk of a feud and said the two players have "big mutual respect" for each other.

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