Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about this year’s Ballon d’Or award to France Football, claiming he deserves to win the award. He said:
“I said many times, winning a sixth Ballon d'Or is not an obsession.”
"And I do not ask the question in these terms. I already know, in my heart of hearts, that I am one of the best players in history.
"Of course I want to win, this sixth Ballon d'Or. It would be a lie to tell you the opposite.
I work for that. As I work to score goals and win games without being an obsession.
"I think I deserve it."
He did name his competitors for the award this year and despite winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, he ignored fierce rival Lionel Messi when mentioned his competition. He said:
"The same as usual, even if I don't know if Messi will be on the podium this time.”
"So, let's say Salah, Modrić, Griezmann, Varane, Mbappé -- the French in general because they are world champions.”
He did give Messi a quick mention however as he finished by saying: "But I will wait and see if all these players are still at the top in 10 years, like Messi and I have done, and like we continue to do.
Still there, on the podium, since more than 10 years."
Messi and Ronaldo have shared every single Ballon d’Or award since Kaka won in 2007, but Luka Modric is the current favourite to pick up the individual award. Ronaldo, however, believes he is deserving of his sixth award after winning the Champions League this year, although the World Cup is often more decisive this year.
That's 11 more than Alexis Sanchez has in his club career!
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