Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid star reveals that 'enemies' drive him to greatness on the pitch

The 31-year-old admitted that he uses 'negative people' as motivation

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Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that that he needs his “enemies” to drive him to greatness on the pitch.

The Real Madrid star has a tendency for infuriating opposition fans and players with his in-game antics and, as a result, the 31-year-old has emerged as an unpopular figure among certain corners of the sport.

But this hatred has proved central to his success, the player recently admitted, and has helped spur him on.

"Football has taught me to use negative people as motivation," the Portuguese said in an interview with Coach magazine.

"In reality I need my enemies. It is them who have helped me to achieve everything that I have won."

Ronaldo is one of the game’s most decorated players, having won the Champions League three times, the Premier League three times and the La Liga once. The former Manchester United winger has also picked up the Ballon d’Or on three separate occasions.

The player has enjoyed an equally prolific international career. Ronaldo is the country’s all-time top goalscorer and, over the summer, the Portugal captain clinched glory with the national side at Euro 2016.

Outside of his own personal success, Ronaldo admitted in the same interview that he and Lionel Messi “aren’t good friends”, but insisted that the two share a mutual respect for another.

"We aren't good friends, but there is respect on both parts," Ronaldo added.

"The media talk about a great rivalry, but we don't have one."