Cristiano Ronaldo wants Lionel Messi to resume their rivalry in Italy

Image Credits: Twitter/@Cristiano

Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he wants Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi to leave Spain and rekindle their rivalry by joining him in the Italian top flight.

Ronaldo moved to Serie A champions Juventus in July for 100 million euros ($113.76 million) after spending nine trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid.

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the global football landscape for a decade, each winning the Ballon d`Or award five times before Croatia international midfielder Luka Modric broke their stranglehold by claiming the coveted award this year.

"I`d like (Messi) to come to Italy one day," Ronaldo told reporters. "I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he`s happy there then I respect that," he added.

When quizzed if he missed his rivalry with the Barcelona star, Ronaldo suggested that it might be the other way round.

"No, maybe it`s him who misses me," he said. "I`ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he`s still in Spain. Maybe he needs me more," Ronaldo signed off..