Kohli: I take a lot of inspiration from Ronaldo - THE BEST 2016
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Cricket mega-star Virat Kohli considers Lionel Messi “a freak”, but believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic enables him to compete with his age-old rival. The 29-year-old Argentinian and the 31-year-old Portuguese are battling with Antoine Griezmann to become The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2016.
"I take a lot of inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo,” Kohli, one of the greatest batsmen in history, told the England and Wales Cricket Board. “My training regime is fixed by the trainer. But the way Ronaldo has stayed on top for so many years, it's down to nothing but hard work.
"I have heard that Ronaldo is the most hardworking footballer in the world, and that's why he is where he is. Messi is a freak, but this guy is giving him a run for his money because of his hard work.”
Kohli, who owns countless cricketing records and is a big football fan, came eighth on ESPN’s 2016 list of the most famous athletes in the world, ahead of the likes of Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic and Floyd Mayweather Jr. It was topped by Ronaldo, with Lebron James in second and Messi and Neymar in third and fourth respectively.
The Best FIFA Men’s Player will be crowned at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in Zurich on 9 January 2017.