Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Brazil Move and Opens Up on Lionel Messi Rivalry

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he would "gladly" represent Corinthians and Flamengo in Brazil, suggesting the Portuguese star's career may take an unexpected turn when his Real Madrid tenure concludes.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner has addressed a wide range of subjects in public this week, including his rivalry with Lionel Messi. In quotes published by Hannah Duncan of Metro, Ronaldo hinted he would like to experience Brazilian football before the end of his playing days:

Corinthians and Flamengo are two famous clubs, I would gladly dress in one of their shirts. In Brazil I have many friends, so my relationship with the country is very good. At Real I have passed many Brazilians, with Kaka one of the people I respect most of all.

Per AS (h/t the Mirror) Ronaldo has long been linked with a return to Manchester United when he decides to exit the Bernabeu, but the 29-year-old suggests a change of continent could be possible. He could flourish for longer in Brazil, where the technical side of the game outweighs the relentless physical intensity seen in Europe's top leagues.

The former Red Devils star recently suggested his long-standing comparisons to Messi have forced him to become a better player. He spoke to France Football (h/t Marca), in an interview which underlines Ronaldo's respect for the Barcelona man:

Maybe Messi also plays a part in motivating me, the same way other players make you raise your game because you're working at being better than them. Any kind of competition adds to my motivation.

I'm sure the competition we provide motivates him as well. It's good for him, for me, and for other players who want to develop. Messi has four Ballons d'Or and I've got three. All of this is positive for the world of football.
Supporters are often focused on proving who is the better player. It's easy to forget both have contributed massively to the stature of the other. As highlighted by Sky Sports, there wasn't a great deal between the pair during 2014, despite Ronaldo deservedly taking the Ballond'Or crown:

Messi recently applauded Ronaldo's achievement, saying, "I want to congratulate Cristiano because he was the winner and deserved it," as reported by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC.

Ronaldo is leading the goalscoring terms this season, netting 34 in 29 appearances across all competitions, per WhoScored.com. Messi has 28 in 26 and currently equals Ronaldo's assists total of 10, having played fewer games. The closeness of their stats highlights a competitive rivalry which pushes both to continually reach the highest level or else fall behind.

Per Marca (h/t MailOnline) Messi is expected to end his career in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys, so there's the potential for both stars to round off their playing days in South America. It's unlikely the spotlight will disappear even when the duo hang up their boots, as we've seen with the continued comparisons between Pele and DiegoMaradona so long after their last matches.

Ronaldo is likely to have a plethora of options when he leaves Madrid. He is one of the most marketable sportsmen in the world and can seriously increase the following of any club he decides to represent.

While United fans are dreaming of a triumphant return for their hero, Ronaldo's destiny could take him beyond the obvious regions in order to extend his career.