Cristiano Ronaldo has furiously rejected allegations he insults rival Lionel Messi, as he prepares for Portugal’s tie against Armenia.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed in his new book about Messi that Ronaldo has a special derogatory nickname he uses for the Argentine. However, Ronaldo strenuously denies it and has threatened legal action.
He said: “This is absolutely false and I have assured my lawyer takes action to sue those responsible.
“I have the utmost respect for my professional colleagues, and Messi is obviously no exception.”
Portugal may field veterans Tiago and Jose Bosingwa against the Armenians after they came out of international retirement to play for new boss Fernando Santos.
Elsewhere, Germany take on minnows Gibraltar with forward Andre Schurrle insisting he is happy with life at Chelsea.
The 24-year-old has completed 90 minutes only twice this term for Chelsea. Schurrle, though, has taken to social networking site Instagram to show his allegiance.
“To the top:)) £behappy £blues,” Schurrle posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of him in a Chelsea shirt, pointing to the skies.
Germany are expected to field their strongest team against Gibraltar who have shipped 17 goals in three qualifying matches.
Germany assistant coach Thomas Schneider said: “We take our opponents very seriously even if their last games have not been so successful.”
