Koke: Ronaldo is an ‘athlete’, but Messi is ‘god’

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke believes that while Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenal “athlete”, Lionel Messi is a footballing “god”.

The ageing battle for who is the best footballer on the planet seems to be rolling on after another of La Liga’s top players – Koke of Atletico Madrid, weighed in on the debate.

The Spanish international said that although Real Madrid’s Ronaldo is a good athlete, Barcelona’s Leo Messi is god-like.

“Ronaldo is an athlete, but Messi is a god,” he told Marca.

Koke then went on to discuss his decision to remain at Atletico and reject advances from the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona, where he could have played alongside Messi.

“I made the decision to continue at Atletico,” the 22-year-old explained. “I appreciated the interest of Barcelona, but why would I have left during what is such a good time for Atletico?”