Cristiano Ronaldo posted a philosophical message on Instagram after opting to skip the FIFA awards ceremony, where long-time rival Lionel Messi was named the Best Men's Player.
Ronaldo finished third behind Messi and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, but decided not to attend the ceremony in Milan on Monday.
The 34-year-old has been ruled out of Juventus' Serie A clash against Brescia on Tuesday due to an adductor injury.
After the awards ceremony, Ronaldo took to his official Instagram account to post a cryptic message.
"Patience and persistence are two characteristics that differentiate the professional from the amateur," he wrote.