More of a CR7 kind of person but I like Messi, says Shakib

Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that while he is inspired by Argentine Lionel Messi's footballing traits, his own character is more akin to Cristiano Ronaldo's.

"I don't follow him [Messi] off the field because he hardly talks to the media. In recent past he has been saying one or two things but two or three years back he didn't say anything to the media. Ronaldo is the person who always speaks his heart out," Shakib said during an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

"I think I am a CR7 kind of person but I like Messi. It's not that I hate Ronaldo, I think he is amazing. In his 35-year age, the way he is performing is world-class. With his fitness he could play for two or three more years."

Shakib's love for Messi is well known and the Bangladesh star cricketer has often spoken about Messi in interviews. He said he admires Messi's calm demeanour on the field. However his own on-the-field behaviour is closer to Ronaldo's as the Portuguese in more extroverted and his emotions are always on the surface.

"I follow both of them, I like Messi because of the way he presents himself on the field. But I think my character goes with Ronaldo more, as in being more vocal and outspoken. You would hardly see Messi showing his emotion on the ground but with Ronaldo you will see it every game."