After FIFA President Sepp Blatter verbalized a joke at the expense of Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo while speaking to the Oxford Union recently, the international superstar grew angry and fired back in a displeased manner, a response that many are supporting since Ronaldo -- one of the top players in the game of soccer -- in no way provoked the FIFA boss. Intending to arouse those in attendance, Blatter -- who was elected president of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in 1998 -- may not have been trying to damage the image of the Madrid star in saying that "one has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other," but his comments did not sit well with No. 7. In addition to that statement, Blatter also said that he prefers Barcelona star Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"This video shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country," Ronaldo vented through his personal Facebook page. "Much is explained now. I wish Mr. Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favorite teams and players." Showing obvious and expected support for his star player, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said he agrees with team President Florentino Perez when saying that a formal apology should be issued by Blatter.
"I'm completely in agreement with our president," Ancelotti said. "He's sent a letter to FIFA asking to retract what I consider to be a lack of respect to a very professional player. He's shown every day that he's a great player, serious and professional, respectful to everyone and he has to continue like that. He trained well again today and he trains well always."
While the show of support by the Real Madrid higher ups became instant news, Sepp Blatter defended his comments while indicating that he truly does believe Ronaldo to be one of the top players in the world and that it was never his goal to upset or show a lack of respect to the player and the club.
"In response to a question about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the moderator asked me to choose between one of the two," Blatter stated. "In this moment having commented that Messi is the type of son all mothers would like to have, I ended up saying his name. However, I want to make it clear that for me Cristiano Ronaldo is at the same level as Messi and that they are both exceptional players, each one in their own way. It was never my intention to upset or show a lack of respect towards Real Madrid, one of their players or their fans."
Recently named one of the nominees for the Ballon d'Or Award, Ronaldo and Real Madrid are currently preparing to battle Sevilla in their next match on October 30.
WATCH FIFA PRESIDENT SEPP BLATTER'S COMMENTS ON RONALDO
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