Cristiano Ronaldo Identifies Ashley Cole as Toughest Opponent, but Former Blues Star States “Messi was Different”

Former England left back Ashley Cole has shared insights facing two of football’s great players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Ashley Cole as his toughest opponent, Ashley Cole also admitted Lionel Messi posed greater challenge, despite never scoring against him.

Ashley Cole stated:“People talk about Ronaldo more because I played against him more. But to mark Messi, on his day… he was just too good for me. But, again, he’s never scored against me.”

Ashley Cole added: “Chelsea and Barcelona had some epic matches, and stopping Messi was always a highlight.”

Ashley Cole added that his encounters with Cristiano Ronaldo were frequent and legendary, spanning 14 matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo also stated that Ashley Cole was a very tough opponent he faced. The Portuguese attacker stated “He does not give you a second to breathe.”

Ashley Cole has established a good friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.