Ballon d'Or not important - Ronaldo

The 28-year-old Portuguese says it would not be "the end of the world" if he does not win this year's edition of the award and has voiced his happiness with life in Spain.

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that winning the Ballon d'Or is not the most important thing in a footballer's career.

The Portuguese has scooped the award once - in 2008, for his title-winning exploits at Manchester United - but has repeatedly come off second best to Lionel Messi in recent years.

Ronaldo is the favourite to regain the prize this year but the 28-year-old insists that he is not overly concerned with individual accolades.

"The Ballon d'Or is not the most important thing in a footballer's career," the Blancos forward told beIN Sport. "There are many more years.

"It is important for many players and I can understand that, but it's just an individual trophy.

"Of course, it would be nice to win but it would not be the end of the world otherwise. Moreover, great players who deserved it have never won it."

Ronaldo pledged his future to Madrid earlier this season by signing a contract that runs until 2018 and he says he very comfortable in the Spanish capital, though he stopped short of saying he would definitely retire at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"This is my house, my home, I feel good. I love the fans, I love the staff and I have everything I need here," he continued.

"That's why I signed a new contract. I don't know where I'll end my career but I am happy here for now."


Courtesy: Enis Koylu

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3870/fifa-ballon-dor/2013/12/09/4465910/ballon-dor-not-the-most-important-thing-ronaldo?ICID=HP_HN_2