Barcelona’s president, Sandro Rosell, says there’s only one player he likes in the lineup of his archrivals Real Madrid and it’s not Cristiano Ronaldo.

“There’s only one Real Madrid player, whom I admire for many years,” Rosell told the Eurosport channel. “There are many great players in Real, but for my team I would’ve picked just one of them. I’ll abstain from calling his name not to create an unnecessary fuss.”

The journalists were, of course, intrigued by the statement and began guessing, with keeper Iker Casillas being their first option.

“Casillas, you say? Let’s not make suggestions,” Barcelona’s president replied.   

As for Real Madrid’s top star, Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s no place on the Catalan team sheet for him.

“I wouldn’t have invited Ronaldo to Barcelona even if he was free,” Rosell stressed. “Sometimes it happens that you pay triple price for the free things.”

Barcelona and Real Madrid have long been fierce rivals, with Barca taking the upper-hand this season.   

They are 16 points ahead of the Madrid side after 22 matches played in the Spanish La Liga.

Barcelona's president Sandro Rosell (AFP Photo / Josep Lago)

• A Permanent Economic Emergency