'Cristiano should be happy to be second in the world'

Javier Clemente has earned a reputation as a fiery character during his many years in football and did not hesitate in offering a controversial but earnest assesment when asked whether Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer on the planet.

"Messi is ahead of everybody," Clemente told Spanish radio station Cadena SER. 

"He does different things and the sum of those parts lifts him to first place.

"This doesn't mean the rest aren't any good, and I don't know why some people get angry about it."

The Portuguese star was awarded his fourth Ballon d'Or title last December, but Clemente believes this does not change anything in the great scheme of things.

"It's out of your control if one guy is born better than you are," the Basque coach said.

"Cristiano should be happy and proud to be second in the world."