MOSCOW, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Spain central defender Sergio Ramos has hit back after he was criticized by former Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Speaking in a recorded TV interview, Maradona mocked Ramos' ability, saying that he "isn't a star, [Uruguay defender Diego] Godin is a star."

When asked about Maradona's comments following Spain's 1-0 win over Iran on Wednesday night, Ramos didn't mince his words.

"I respect Maradona because he was a great player and I think he was a star like he said. However, I am also going to say that Argentinean football knows that Maradona is light years away from the number one, which is Leo Messi."

Ramos' words are all the more surprising given that Messi plays his club football for FC Barcelona, the eternal rivals of Ramos' Real Madrid, where a certain Cristiano Ronaldo also plys his trade.