BARCELONA -- Barcelona defender Jordi Alba feels it is unfair that Xavi Hernandez never won a Ballon d'Or as he tried to avoid the controversy which has followed comments made by Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend.
Ronaldo, 31, responded to Xavi's statement about Lionel Messi being the best player in the world by criticising the former Barca midfielder for playing in Qatar and for a lack of individual honours.
"I couldn't care less about what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where," Portugal forward Ronaldo said following his side's 5-2 win over Osasuna on Saturday.
"He's won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he's never won a Ballon d'Or."
Ronaldo's remarks have caused a stir in Spain and Alba was asked for his view on the debate in a news conference which was supposed to be Barca's opening Champions League match against Celtic on Tuesday.
"I can only talk about Xavi," the Spain left-back told a news conference. "I can only say good things about him. He was a great player who won everything, we have said in many interviews it was unfair he didn't win a Ballon d'Or.
"Whatever others say it is better I don't comment. I have only good things to say, others, I don't know."
Barca coach Luis Enrique was less willing to indulge the gathered journalists' wish for a comment on the situation.
The Asturian coach rarely forays into dangerous territory and his answer to a question regarding what Ronaldo had said was predictably curt.
"What interests me are things about football," he said. "All the things that surround it and these questions don't interest me."
Pressed further for a comment on the situation -- plus for his opinion regarding the unrest in Madrid surrounding Raul Gonzalez's presence at the opening of Barcelona's New York office last week -- he remained true to his style.
"I don't have anything to add," he insisted. "That is how our world works."