• La Liga

Ronaldo and Madrid hit back at Blatter's comments

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has written to Sepp Blatter to complain about comments the FIFA chief made about Cristiano Ronaldo, while the winger has also issued a furious response on his official Facebook page.

A video of Blatter seemingly belittling Ronaldo as an on-pitch "commander", who also spends too much time in the hairdresser, emerged online on Tuesday.

Ronaldo issued a statement via the social networking site, hinting to over 64 million fans how Blatter's comments had "explained" much - something which he also reiterated on Twitter.

"This video shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country," Ronaldo posted. "Much is explained now. I wish Mr Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favourite teams and players."

I wish Mr.Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he'll continue to witness the successes of his favourite teams and players— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 29, 2013

Later on Tuesday, Blatter took to Twitter to apologise to Ronaldo.

Dear @Cristiano. I apologise if you were upset by my light-hearted answer at private event on Friday. I never meant to offend you. (1/2)— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 29, 2013

I am an honorary 'socio' at Real Madrid @cristiano & explained we've many talented players in world game, including you. Best wishes. (2/2)— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 29, 2013

A FIFA statement read: "The FIFA president has confirmed in letters sent to Real Madrid and the Portuguese Football Federation that Cristiano is an exceptional player."

Meanwhile, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told his post-training press conference that neither he nor Perez were amused at what they had seen, and this sentiment had been expressed in a letter to the sport's world governing body.

"I am aware that our president has sent a letter to FIFA," Ancelotti said. "It is a lack of respect for a very serious and very professional player. I am with the president on this."

The Italian coach said he had not spoken about the issue with Ronaldo at training on Tuesday, but the player had continued to work in a serious and professional manner.

"I did not speak [to Cristiano] about this," Ancelotti said. "He trained very well as always. I believe he shows in all his games that he is a great player. Serious, professional and respectful to everyone. He must continue as he is and nothing else."

Blatter's comments came when he was asked whether he preferred Ronaldo or Lionel Messi during a talk with students at the Oxford Union Society - and got up from his chair to march across the podium in apparent mimicry of Ronaldo's playing or running style.

"Messi is a good boy that every father and mother would like to have at home," he said. "Really, he is a good man, he is very fast and he is not exuberant, he is playing well, he is dancing, he is a kind man, really good, a good boy. The other one [Ronaldo] is like a commander on the field of play… yeah that's it.

"One has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other, but that does not matter. I cannot say who is the best. The [Ballon d'Or 2013] list will be published and then the public will make their choice. I like both of them, but I prefer Messi."

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