Koke: Ronaldo is an athlete - but Messi is a god

The Spain international respects the Real Madrid
man's impressive physical attributes but he feels
that the divine Argentine is the better player
Oct 8, 2014 08:14:00
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke
believes that while Cristiano
Ronaldo is a phenomenal
"athlete", Lionel Messi is a
footballing "god".
Ronaldo and Messi have won the
last six Ballon d'Or awards between them and the debate over
which player is superior remains one of the most heated in
world football.
Koke, though, believes that while the Real Madrid ace's
physical prowess warrants recognition, he feels that that the
diminutive Barcelona No.10 is a divine talent.
"Ronaldo is an athlete, but Messi is a god," the Spain
international told Al Primer Toque.
"They're both great players. I see them on the pitch and it's
spectacular. It's tough to decide. You always want them on
your team, and even though it's Cristiano, I'd choose Messi."
However, despite his reverence for the Argentine, Koke
rejected the opportunity to play alongside Messi this season,
insisting that he was not in the least bit tempted to move to
Camp Nou when Barcelona came calling during the summer,
given he had just helped Atletico beat the Blaugrana to the Liga
title.
"I made the decision to continue at Atletico," the 22-year-old
explained. "I appreciated the interest of Barcelona, but why
would I have left during what is such a good time for Atletico?"
Diego Simeone's side have been accused of employing an
overly aggressive approach to the game, particularly this
season, and Koke admitted that he has grown weary of the
constant criticism of their style of play.
"I am already tired of saying that we are violent," he sighed.
"There is a campaign against us and it is not easy.
"But I am proud to be at Atletico. We fight for our lives at this
club. We have done so since childhood."