Juventus fullback Daniel Alves insists he has no problem with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alves admits he's publicly taunted Ronaldo over the years, but explained his reasons.

He told Esporte Interativo: "Sometimes words are manipulated and do not reach people properly. You think I'm stupid or mentally ill? I am not. Do you think I do not know that Cristiano is a phenomenon? He is, but I think Messi has a little more influence on the game. But to say that does not harm Cristiano.

"I'm like Conor McGregor (UFC fighter). Before I go to fight, I will not say he is a phenomenon. This is part of the game. How to stop a player of his level in accordance with the rules? I also took blows from him. But that's part of the game. I'm not gonna cry for that.

"What is happening on the pitch remains on the pitch."