Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has recalled when Real Madrid insisted he declare Cristiano Ronaldo his favourite player.

Carlsen has insisted PSG star Leo Messi is a better player than the Manchester United striker.

He recalled to Youtuber Lex Friedman: "I've always liked Ronaldo, but I think Messi is better given his all-round game.

"I have been to quite a few Real Madrid matches and they have always been very accommodating. The only thing is, somehow they were going to record an interview and asked who was my favourite footballer. I think I called Isco back then.

"Then it was something like, 'Okay, take two. Now you say: Ronaldo'. So it was very important to them, but it wasn't that big of a deal to me."