Manchester United's African star Odion Ighalo has explained why he would pick Cristiano Ronaldo over "genius" Lionel Messi.
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The retired Super Eagles striker became the first Nigerian to play for the Red Devils after completing a January loan deal from Shanghai Shenhua.
In a recent Q&A with Ghanaian sports journalist Juliet Bawuah, he was asked for his favourite between Ronaldo and Messi, and picked the former United superstar.
"I would take Ronaldo," Ighalo answered.
"Because the hard work, I believe in hard work.
"Messi is blessed. Messi is a genius, he is incredible.
"But for Ronaldo to be putting in work every day to try to catch Messi, to try to win, to try to do everything, it is incredible."
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Ighalo was also asked about his own future, with reports suggesting that he is keen on turning his loan deal into a permanent transfer to the Old Trafford club.
"I'm on loan until the end of the season, which has not expired," the former Watford striker added.
"Now it's for us to finish the season very well, I do well, score more goals, if possible, then after the season, we'll see what's on the table.
"But, for now, the season is still on. Even for me, as a person, you can't start talking about the contract when you don't know when the season is going to resume. So there's no need to talk about that, it's just finish the season and then see how it goes.
"Of course, I'm enjoying my time there, so if something comes up, why not? We'll see it, study it – if it's what's good for me – and, of course, my agent decides this."
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Ighalo has scored four goals in his first eight appearances for United.
Do you agree with Ighalo that Messi is a genius but Ronaldo had to work harder to reach the top? Have your say in the comments section below.
