Gareth Bale: 'Cristiano Ronaldo better than Lionel Messi'

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has weighed into the debate over who is the better footballer between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by revealing his admiration for the latter.

The two La Liga-based players are regarded by many to be the best in world football.

When asked by Life's a Pitch to separate the duo, Wales international Bale responded: "For me, personally, I'd say Ronaldo. He's got the whole package. He's strong, he's powerful, he's pacey, can head the ball, strike the ball.

"Obviously, you can't say anything bad about Messi, but for the all-round complete footballer, I'd say Cristiano Ronaldo."

A number of pundits have placed Bale in the same category as Ronaldo and Messi following his recent performances for Spurs.