Cristiano Ronaldo made the claim that opposition fans dislike him because he’s “rich, handsome and a great player” back in 2011.It came after Ronaldo was jeered by Dinamo Zagreb supporters while playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League.Chants of ‘Messi’ were audible in the stadium as Ronaldo dealt with the home fans and some rough treatment from Zagreb defenders.When asked about the behaviour of fans in Croatia, Ronaldo was quoted by The Guardian as saying: “I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation.”Ronaldo was also unhappy with the referee after requiring stitches in his ankle after one particularly tough challenge.“We are very happy with the three points we took, but I'm not so satisfied with the refereeing,” he added after the 1-0 win."I hope we never have this referee again. People talk of fair play, of protecting good players, but I never get any of that. I don't understand a thing.“I’m sad because I hear referees saying they will protect skilful players, but while some are untouchable it seems I can be mauled."
Three years later, Ronaldo admitted he regretted making the comments.
“It was a mistake,” Ronaldo said, per ESPN. “I spoke after a game in which I was very angry because I had not scored.
"I have said things which I did not like afterwards. As I have said many times, I am not perfect. I am a human being made of flesh and bone, like everyone. I cry, I laugh, I have my problems.”
It wouldn’t be the only time that Ronaldo was serenaded by ‘Messi’ chants in a match.
Last year while playing for Portugal in a Euro 2020 qualifier, Ronaldo silenced Luxembourg fans who chanted the name of his great rival at his by scoring his 99th international goal.
That’s how it’s done.