SEPP BLATTER last night apologised to Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to diffuse the bizarre row which has erupted between the pair.

The Real Madrid forward and his club interpreted comments made by the Fifa chief in an address to the Oxford Union last week as a slur on the player.

Ronaldo apparently felt Blatter was mocking him after being asked to compare the Portugal international with Lionel Messi.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed Blatter's behaviour showed a "lack of respect" and revealed the Spanish giants were demanding a retraction.

Blatter said both players were exceptional but described Messi as a "good boy" before going on to say, in apparent reference to Ronaldo, that "one has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other".

The Fifa president then concluded by saying he preferred Messi of the two players.

In response, Ronaldo posted on his official Facebook page, alongside a clip of Blatter's comments: "This video shows clearly the respect that Fifa has for me, for my club and my country. Much is explained now."

Blatter wrote later on his official Twitter account: "Dear @Cristiano. I apologise if you were upset by my answer at private event on Friday. I never meant to offend you."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale joins team-mate Ronaldo and Messi as a leading contender for Fifa's Ballon d'Or award.