"Maybe Messi also plays a part in motivating me"

*Cristiano Ronaldo says Messi also spurs him on

Cristiano Ronaldo seeks "perfection" in every aspect of the sport to continue his development as a footballer, including his diet and recovering after a game.

"The reason I can play more than 60 games a season is because I take care of myself. I sleep well, I eat well. I look for perfection in those areas as well. Otherwise you can't keep up with the pace", he assured in an extensive interview to be published by France Football this Wednesday.

The Portuguese star is never satisfied and is constantly looking to improve the technical side of his game to raise the bar even higher. "Currently, I'm trying to improve my left foot, my acceleration and my free kicks.

It's something I've been less successful at recently. I know I'll get it back. You just have to be humble enough to realise that things won't go your way without lots of training. My work is what guides me", explains the recently crowned three-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo also mentioned the other two finalists who were vying for football's most prestigious individual accolade: Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer. "To be honest, the other two nominees would also have been worthy winners.

Neuer has had a fantastic season. And Messi started the year with a few problems, but he had a good World Cup. All three of us were potential winners, but my victory is justified. I've been playing at a very high level", he remarked.

In the extensive interview, Cristiano Ronaldo openly talked about his rivalry with Messi. "Maybe Messi also plays a part in motivating me, the same way other players make you raise your game because you're working at being better than them. Any kind of competition adds to my motivation", he said.

"I'm sure the competition we provide motivates him as well. It's good for him, for me, and for other players who want to develop. Messi has four Ballons d'Or and I've got three. All of this is positive for the world of football", added the Portuguese star, who is keen to match Messi, but believes that any speculation at the moment would be premature. "My mind is at ease. I'm not thinking about next year's yet. Right now I have to forget about the Ballon d'Or and get down to work", he finished by saying