Cristiano Ronaldo Tracked Down Antonio Cassano And Demanded ‘Respect’ In Furious Message After Criticism

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano claims Cristiano Ronaldo sent him text messages 'demanding respect' after he criticised the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Cassano, who scored over 100 goals during spells at Roma, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Parma, has never been one to hold back when expressing his opinions - and the subject of Ronaldo is no exception.

Back in February, he described the Manchester United forward as selfish. "He doesn't care if others score, he only lives to score himself," said Cassano. "He doesn't live for football, he lives for his own goals, it's clear."

Image credit: PA

Then back in October, the former Italy striker named five players better than Cristiano Ronaldo in football history after agent Jorge Mendes said he was the greatest of all time.

"Enough of Jorge Mendes," he said on Christian Vieri's Twitch channel.

"He is not even among the top five: Messi, Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff and Ronaldo 'O Fenómeno are on another level."

Cassano nows claims that Ronaldo was so upset by his comments that he sent him messages demanding respect for what he has achieved in the game.

"Ronaldo wrote me messages," the former Inter striker said on Christian Vieri's Twitch channel.

"Cristiano Ronaldo, telling me that I need to have respect for him because of the trophies he's won and the goals he's scored.

"I'm not afraid to tell the truth, I'll face anyone; from the Pope to the last on this earth.

"I called Buffon and he confirmed that he gave my number to the press officer, who turned it over to Ronaldo so he could tell me he's scored 750 goals and I only got 150.

"To him I'd just say: dear Cristiano, you have everything. Be calm and relaxed. Take your example from Messi, he doesn't give a damn about anything or anyone.

"He sent me a message, honestly it's the truth. Gigi Buffon knows it well, Gigi laughed about it. Chiellini knows too.

"It made me angry: what are you doing? What is your problem?"

Thoughts on Cassano's comments?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_