Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ex Teammate Claps Back at Al Nassr Star Over Savage Comments

• Fabio Paim has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo over his savage comments
• The Portuguese star had claimed on Instagram to not know his compatriot
• Paim and Ronaldo were both graduates of the Sporting Lisbon academy

Fabio Paim has taken a jovial jibe at Cristiano Ronaldo after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s savage comments where he claimed not to know him.

The 38-year-old Portugal icon had denied knowing Paim after the former Sporting Lisbon graduate claimed he could have been awarded one of Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or awards in his latest podcast.

According to GOAL, Paim - who graduated from the Sporting Lisbon academy alongside Ronaldo - believes the veteran striker’s comment has helped the former footballer regain attention from the general public.

"I don't want to make this longer but I don't think what Cristiano said was serious, it was a joke. But it has had a good impact - people are talking about our relationship.

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"Ronaldo is helping me as people talk about me. We played together, we were friends; we have nothing against each other. I am such a big fan of Ronaldo. It is all good."

Following their time together at the Sporting academy, Ronaldo famously stated that Paim was the only player better than him when he joined Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo loses prestigious award

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has once again lost out to arch-rival, Lionel Messi after the Argentina superstar was named the TIME Athlete of the Year for 2023, Sport Bible reports.

Messi is the latest athlete to have the honour bestowed upon him following his sensational switch to Inter Miami prior to winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

The Time Athlete of the Year award, which Lebron James and Simon Biles have previously won, is one of the few gongs Ronaldo has failed to win in his illustrious career.

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Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous museum

Sports Brief also reported that Ronaldo has won plenty of individual awards and trophies and despite moving to Saudi Arabia, he remains one of football's biggest stars.

Recently, Ronaldo visited the CR7 Signature Museum in the city of Riyadh, while Museu CR7 in the Portugal captain's home city of Funchal has been open since 2013.