Fernando Gago has stated that he believes Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo amid continuous reports that Real Madrid are desperate to sign the Manchester United star.
While the Argentinian midfielder is impressed with Ronaldo, it is his compatriot that he believes is currently the world's number one.
Ronaldo was hailed as the best by many in England after an incredible campaign in the Premier League, but Gago thinks that despite that he is still not as good as Messi.
"For me he is not number one. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches," he told AS.
"Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays."
The pursuit of Ronaldo by Madrid has not been met with universal approval by everyone at the club with Wesley Sneijder believing that his huge contract may cause problems, but Gago does not agree.
"He is a very good player and it is logical that Real Madrid would want him because all the big sides are interested. I do not know if he will come here, but if he does he will be made very welcome," he continued.
"If Cristiano joins Madrid and has a big contract then it will be because he deserves it and he should be congratulated, but on the pitch he will be just another player and will have to put in the same effort as everyone else.
"This is a team here and everyone has to be at the heir best in order for us to succeed."
Rafael Van der Vaart is also said to be on Los Merengues' agenda and Gago is confident that if the club are tracking the Hamburg player the he must be good.
"I have not seen much of him, but he seems to have class. If Real Madrid want to sign him then it will be for a reason," he stated.
"One must remember that this team is solid and next year we have to be even more competitive because we are aiming for every trophy."
Ronaldo was hailed as the best by many in England after an incredible campaign in the Premier League, but Gago thinks that despite that he is still not as good as Messi.
"For me he is not number one. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches," he told AS.
"Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays."
The pursuit of Ronaldo by Madrid has not been met with universal approval by everyone at the club with Wesley Sneijder believing that his huge contract may cause problems, but Gago does not agree.
"He is a very good player and it is logical that Real Madrid would want him because all the big sides are interested. I do not know if he will come here, but if he does he will be made very welcome," he continued.
"If Cristiano joins Madrid and has a big contract then it will be because he deserves it and he should be congratulated, but on the pitch he will be just another player and will have to put in the same effort as everyone else.
"This is a team here and everyone has to be at the heir best in order for us to succeed."
Rafael Van der Vaart is also said to be on Los Merengues' agenda and Gago is confident that if the club are tracking the Hamburg player the he must be good.
"I have not seen much of him, but he seems to have class. If Real Madrid want to sign him then it will be for a reason," he stated.
"One must remember that this team is solid and next year we have to be even more competitive because we are aiming for every trophy."
