Christina Aguilera is trying to play down her long rumored rivalry with Britney Spears. The singer says that she has never considered her former Mickey Mouse Club co-star a competitor.

“When we both started releasing records, it was a funny time for me,” Christina tells the Daily Mail.

“It must have seemed as if we were competing with each other, but, in reality, Britney is someone that I used to hold hands with,” she added.

“We were silly little girls together on The Mickey Mouse Club. What a journey it has been for both of us!”

“There have been so many stories about the two of us not getting on. We don’t keep closely in touch with one another, and it’s obvious how our lives have taken on two different directions. I always wish her all the best.”

Christina is currently promoting her Greatest Hits album Keeps Gettin Better.