The great debate in modern football about the best player of the century continues to produce new chapters. Messi or Ronaldo?
One of the latest voices to give his opinion is Manchester United star Amad Diallo.
Despite sharing the dressing room with Ronaldo during the Portuguese's second spell at Old Trafford, Diallo did not mention him as his main idol.
Messi and Rooney, Diallo's choices
Amad and Ronaldo were unable to play any official matches together, due to Diallo's loan move to Rangers and Ronaldo's subsequent early departure from the club. However, they did share a few training sessions before the Portuguese star's contract was terminated.
In a recent episode of "Inside Carrington," on the club's official channel, Diallo was asked about his footballing idols. His answer was clear: "In my life, my idol has always been Messi. I always say Messi. He's the player I try to learn from."
The Ivory Coast striker, who has made 20 Premier League appearances this season with two goals and two assists, also named Wayne Rooney as the United legend he would have liked to play with: "At United, the player I liked the most was Rooney. When they ask me which player from the club's history I would like to play with, I say Rooney, because he is the player I love the most."
Admiration without controversy
Diallo's choice is not a lack of respect for Ronaldo, currently captain of Al Nassr. Rather, it is a matter of personal preference and footballing inspiration.
Rooney himself has previously clarified that choosing Messi as the best does not mean he has anything against his former teammate. In an interview on Rio Ferdinand's show, he said: "People think I hate Cristiano. I love him. He's an absolute genius and what he's doing is unbelievable. Just because I said I think Messi is better, it doesn't mean I don't like Ronaldo."
Meanwhile, Manchester United is preparing for their next league match against Everton, which will take place on February 23 at the Dickinson Hill Stadium. /Telegraph/
