Reports: Bruno Alves reveals Cristiano Ronaldo was angry about Ballon d'Or snub
What's the story?
Parma defender, Bruno Alves, has revealed that compatriot and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo was angry when he was denied a record sixth Ballon d'Or last year.
In case you didn't know...
Together with fellow five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo was denied the award last year, as it was decided that Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric, would take the coveted award home instead.
With the win, the Croatian midfielder ended the decade-long duopoly of individual awards held by Ronaldo and Messi, much to the dismay of fans of the talismanic duo.
The Los Blancos star was recognised for leading his home country to their first ever FIFA World Cup final, and his role in Real Madrid's third consecutive Champions League win last May.
The heart of the matter
Alves, who was recently linked with a move to Inter at the end of the January transfer window, has now revealed that his compatriot Ronaldo was angry at the controversial decision.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (via Calciomercato), the defender said,
"Obviously he was angry, he deserved it, for all he did last year, which can motivate him even more, it's important for him and his club that he's motivated like that, he wants to win trophies."
Alves also heaped praise on Ronaldo, stating that the former Real Madrid star is a 'real source of inspiration' for a lot of people.
"I wish him so much happiness because I've known him for a long time, I know where he comes from and how much he has struggled in his life. I really wish the best, so much happiness."
"I was in Under 21 and he came with us because he was very strong, we played together both the European and the Olympics, in the National team 11 years in a row. We have known each other for a long time, I know him well as a player but he is always funny, he's always smiling, but he's also a great professional. He's an inspiration for everyone in Portugal, it's a pride for everyone in the world."
He added,
"The joy that always shows is his greatest talent, he is very friendly and he is honest, his education is what the family gave him is very important, he likes to do everything at his best. we saw the European in 2016 we went to Ibiza with the families, it was a beautiful period after winning that trophy, it's very important for us, it was the first trophy for Portugal."
What's next?
Ronaldo appears to have moved on from the snub, focusing instead on his role at his new club, where he has established himself as a prominent influencer in the team.
Juventus sit at the top of the Serie A table and are scheduled to face Sassuolo in the league on Sunday.