Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa is backing his team mate Cristiano Ronaldo amidst a row with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
The Spanish international is referring to an incident where the 77-year-old appeared to praise Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and undermine Ronaldo in the same sentence.
“You have to have a little more respect when you have a position like Blatter has,” Arbeloa told the Real Madrid website. “The things he’s said in public and hearing what he says in private attracts attention.”
“Everybody’s noticed. I don’t know if it explains a lot of things, but it can explain some. They’re things that nobody understands.”
The former Liverpool right-back was quick to praise the Portuguese international, who scored a hat-trick in last night’s routing of Sevilla.
“He’s a point of reference in the world of football. Whoever likes football has to like Cristiano Ronaldo,” the 30-year-old proclaimed.
“He has a great personality and he’s gotten where he is because of his valour and personality. It’s extra motivation for him.”
Arbeloa was also quick to praise Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema’s performances last night as both players scored twice while the Welshman also picked up two assists.
“Gareth is a great player. He still needs to get into the rhythm of things and adapt, but he’s really doing great for the time he’s been in.”
When asked about the Frenchman, Arbeloa said: “Those of us who work with him aren’t surprised. We’ve always had confidence in him. He’s one of the best forwards in the world and Real Madrid is lucky to have him.”
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
