Dani Alves has opened up on his 'love' and admiration for former opponent Cristiano Ronaldo.
The pair were fierce former rivals at Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid during the two sides' battle for supremacy.
And Brazilian defender Alves told Marca that the tension between the teams meant he could never express his respect for Ronaldo, now at Manchester United - before discussing their 'scuffle' at a Ballon d'Or award ceremony.
He said: 'I love Cristiano. Now we're no longer at Barca or Madrid, I can speak, as it always seemed like I couldn't.