Beijing - Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo denied today that there is a war between him and his Argentine pair Lionel Messi, and believes that this is a creation of the football business.

'For me, this war does not exist. You can not compare players. Cristiano is Cristiano and Messi is Messi. We are both great players, individually and collectively,' said the Portuguese forward.

In an interview published today by the Chinese newspaper Dongqiudi, which awarded him with a trophy for the best player of the year, Cristiano said that they respect each other.

'We play in different clubs, but when we are together we respect each other, I have a normal relationship with him,' said the Real Madrid player, who understands these comparisons as 'part of the business' of football.

The 31-year-old striker, crowned by the International Football Federation (FIFA) two weeks ago as 'The best', the best player in the world, award that is added to the Ballon d'Or, said that sometimes they even compare their children.

'People compare us constantly, but it is normal. They even compare our children, how they grow, how they go in school, even who is faster,' he added.

About his critics, the footballer said that he does not worry, because what really interests him is to make his followers happy, who respect him and love him.

'I just try to do my job and be myself. I always go to bed in a good mood, happy, I sleep well every night. I'm not here to make my critics happy, but to make my fans happy,' he said.

Cristiano recognized that it will be hard to maintain the level after a plentiful 2016, in which he obtained the title in the Champions League with Madrid and the UEFA European Championship with Portugal, but he feels prepared to try.

'This year the challenge will be the same, I will try to give my best, I will try to train hard, play well and score goals that will lead my team to victory,' he said.