Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo says he would like to retire with more Ballon d'Or honors than Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
"Messi's in the history of football - but I think I have to have six or seven or eight to be above him," Ronaldo said in discussion with ITV, according to BBC Sport.
Ronaldo and Messi each have five of the individual accolades handed out annually by France Football. For the 34-year-old, adding to that total would be a fitting recognition of a stellar career.
"I'd love it. I think I deserve it," Ronaldo said.
"I'm sure I'm in the history of football for what I have done and what I'm continuing to do, but one of the best players in history," the five-time Champions League winner continued. "For me, the No. 1 in history, but for some fans, if the No. 1 is another one and I'm second, it doesn't matter."
Neither Ronaldo nor Messi took home the Ballon d'Or last season, with Luka Modric ending the pair's 10-year reign over football's biggest individual award. However, the 160-time capped Portugal international remains certain of his place in footballing lore.
"I know I'm in the history of football as one of the greatest ever," Ronaldo said.
