Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inter Miami, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer
Marcus Banks
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inter Miami, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer
Kevin De Bruyne knew exactly who he’d prefer to play with given the choice of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo are the two undisputed greatest footballers in the 21st century, amassing a ridiculous trophy collection and smashing almost every record in the history books.
Both superstars are still playing with Inter Miami and Al-Nassr collectively and De Bruyne could end up facing one of the two once again in the future with his contract set to expire in the summer amid links to both the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
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A hint on his next move could lie in his answer when asked which of the legendary duo he would rather play with.
De Bruyne did not sit on the fence and opted for Ronaldo as the player he’d most want to link up with.
"I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker," De Bruyne said last year.
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"Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker."
The Belgium legend has struggled for fitness in recent years but has started 11 Premier League games under Pep Guardiola this season, scoring twice and registering six assists.
De Bruyne has been linked with various clubs in Saudi as well as an interesting proposal to feature for New York City FC in the MLS who are part of the City Football Group.
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo was a healthy one as they forced one another to raise their game, but now that neither plays in Europe, the Portuguese superstar doesn't think they share a rivalry any more.
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"I don't see things like that, the rivalry is gone," Ronaldo said during a press conference last year.
"It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing.
"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.
"From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.
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"I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."