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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
ALEX YOUNG

Cristiano Ronaldo: Winning the Nobel Prize is like the Ballon d'Or for me

Cristiano Ronaldo has compared his Ballon d'Or wins to the Nobel Prize as the Juventus star looks to win his sixth honour.

Ronaldo is the joint-most decorated player in the history of football's top individual honour, with himself and long-time rival Lionel Messi both winning five times.

The pair are again on the 30-man shortlist ahead of the December 2 ceremony to crown 2019's winner and Ronaldo recently spoke to France Football, who present the trophy.

"I have learned from [Michael Jordan] like I have learned from all of those who have excelled," Ronaldo said.

"I am not just talking about sport either. I like to read things on the Nobel Prize - who has invented, generated, created or developed something.

"The Nobel Prize for these guys is like the Ballon d'Or for me. I like to know why they invented something and how they did it - it is important, and it helps me to get even better."

At 34 years of age, Ronaldo continues to rack up impressive stats - he has 34 goals in 57 appearances for Juventus - and he credits his obsessive routines.

"My aim is to keep myself young as I get older," he said. "In other words, to remain competitive.

"Approximately 70 percent of my life is football. You have to be intelligent to last. I call it the education of a player. You have to look after your life, nutrition and sleep."

"I have been sacrificing myself for 15 years. After, I will admire what I have done. More than that, though, what I will do is enjoy my friends, my family, see my children grow up and study.

"I savour the present. I want to transmit my life experience. Not now, though, I still have a lot to give."

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