Football
ESPN staff 8y

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo ambitious, not selfish - Paul Pogba

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said that he does not think Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo is selfish for wanting to play in every match, and added that he has similar ambitions.

The France international has had a mixed Serie A campaign, but still managed eight goals in 33 matches as his side won Serie A for the fifth year in a row. The ex-Manchester United player will complete a league and cup double for the second year running if Juve beat AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final on May 21.

The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best young players in Europe and will be a key player for France in their bid to win the European Championship at home this summer, has said that criticism of Ronaldo is not merited.

"You would say that wanting to be No. 1 in a team sport is not selfish? If he scores, is that selfish? No, the stronger he is the more he can help his team. Ronaldo never wants to miss a minute [of play]? He has really high expectations, he is ambitious, he wants to break records and win Ballons d'Or. That is not selfishness."

Pogba also said he wants to emulate Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and wants to add even more trophies to his growing collection. 

"I've only won four Scudetti," the France international told La Repubblica. "They're not enough for me. I've always been like this, people called me crazy but I want to make history and become the strongest midfielder ever.

"I'd like to surpass [Frank] Lampard. I want to be the midfielder who can do everything, and at the highest levels. Shooting, dribbling, scoring, defending. I want to be like Lampard, but better.

"I have one flaw: I hate to lose. I like to be different and do what others don't dare to do," he said. "I work hard to try to be perfect because it makes me happy when I win. If people want to criticise me for that, then go ahead."

Pogba is under contract with Juventus until 2019, but some of the continent's top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Barcelona, are all reported to be monitoring the rising star's progress.

Pogba said his future is in the hands of his agents and he is only focused on the matches ahead.

"I want to beat Carpi [Sunday] and then the Coppa Italia and after that the European Championships in France," he said. "After all that I still have a contract with Juventus. I can't just get up in the morning and take a plane to England. You have to ask the people who work on transfers about those things."

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