Despite his overwhelming popularity and legions of fans, Cristiano Ronaldo, like any all time great, also has his share of detractors.
One of whom is Bayern Munich and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal.
The two players will meet in the Confederations Cup semi-final between Chile and Portugal on Wednesday evening and Vidal has been sharing his thoughts about the four time Ballon d'Or winner.
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It's fair to say Vidal seems to like Ronaldo about as much as WCW fans liked Hulk Hogan after he turned his back on them and joined the NWO at Bash At The Beach '96 (it's been too long since I unnecessarily strong armed a wrestling reference into an article).
Tensions may flare during Chile's Confederations Cup semi-final against Portugal in Kazan, on Wednesday, after Arturo Vidal lashed out at 'smart ass' Cristiano Ronaldo. Images: PA
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Talking to reporters, Vidal seemed overly confident that Chile would see off the European Champions and meet Germany in Sunday's final.
"Cristiano is a smart ass! For me he does not exist.
"I have already told my Bayern Munich team-mate Joshua Kimmich that we will meet again in the final!"
Maybe Ronaldo's goal scoring exploits against Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals last season rubbed Vidal up the wrong way, but it's a bold claim from the ex-Juventus man to say that Chile are already in the final, given Ronaldo's form during the tournament, with the Real Madrid man scoring two goals and registering an assist, so far.
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Chile secured their place in the final four with a draw against Australia, finishing runners up to Germany in their group.
Portugal, meanwhile, comprehensively routed New Zealand 4-0 in their final group game, having edged out Russia 1-0 and drawn 2-2 with Mexico in their opening two matches.
Vidal is predicting a Chile vs Germany final. Image: PA
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In the other semi-final, World Champions Germany will take on Mexico, who finished behind Portugal in group A.
Will Vidal be made to eat his words or will the Bayern man be proved right?
Have your say in our comments sections below and on our Facebook page.
(H/T Goal)
Topics: Chile, Arturo Vidal, Football, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo