Barcelona defender Gerard Pique describes Cristiano Ronaldo as a “perfect machine,” according to an interview with the Dutch publication Voetbal Magazine. The 27-year-old also revealed that the Portugal international helped him during their time at Manchester United. He also went on to comment about the rivalry between Ronaldo and his current Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi.

“I like Cristiano Ronaldo,” Pique said in the interview. “Many times conclusions are drawn based on specific actions without actually getting to know him.”

“He has changed in recent years, I know him from United and he took to me well. He helped me a lot in Manchester.”

“Cristiano is a perfect machine, a hard worker who always wants to improve. He is very demanding of himself, something that he showed at United.”

“The most surprising thing is that Messi won four Ballons d’Or in a row and he kept going on there, with the strength to beat him.”

The Barcelona defender then heaped praise on his Argentine teammate for his ‘natural’ gifts.

“Leo is different, he is a natural talent. Maybe he is not as obsessed or as much of a worker as Cristiano, but when he gets the ball it is impossible to take it off him.”

“It seems like you can steal the ball from him, but Leo is a genius. From an early age [he was] the best player in the world.”

“It is not only just the talent though. Behind Messi there is a lot of work, he’s a formidable force with a very powerful engine that makes him tick. Cristiano is more physical than Messi, yes, but if you lack the physical ability, nothing works.”

The three finalists for the 2014 Ballon d’Or were announced yesterday with Messi and Ronaldo being joined by Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The winner of the award will be announced in Zurich on January 12, 2015.

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