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

Ribery deserves Ballon d'Or more than Messi - Guardiola

The Bayern boss backs the winger to win the prestigious award, believing that his exploits last season put him ahead of the Barca star he once coached.

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Franck Ribery, suggesting that he ought to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of his former player Lionel Messi.

The Bavarians stretched their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 40 games after a 7-0 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, with the France winger scoring twice on his return from a rib injury.

Guardiola, speaking after the match, revelled in the ability of the forward and stressed that he felt he was the most deserving person to be named the best player on the planet - even more so than his former charge at Barcelona, Messi.

"We have been talking about this topic for a long time now," the 42-year-old told reporters.

"Franck had an incredible season last year. His career is incredible. This year Franck is one of the reasons why we are where we are.

"Obviously lots of other players too but especially Franck. Naturally, he deserves to win the title [Ballon d'Or], this personal title, but the most important thing is he is happy with his performances last year and what he is doing now.

"Whether he loses or not is not gonna change his life, his career or our opinion about him.

"He and his team last year with Jupp [Heynckes] won everything and obviously he deserves it. But the other players are amazing too. Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or another player.

"But last season for him was, without a doubt, amazing."

Guardiola also enthused about the entire Bayern side after the thrashing of Bremen, declaring himself privileged to coach such a talented group.

"It was the first game this season where we kept our positions well," the former Barcelona trainer continued.

"Every player stuck to his position and after having the ball, they want back to that same position. I want to congratulate my players, it was a very strong game from us.

"Thank you to the club for bringing these amazing players. It's an honour for me to coach them."

Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga with 41 points from 15 games, four clear or Bayer Leverkusen.


Courtesy: Andrew Wychrij

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3870/fifa-ballon-dor/2013/12/08/4463736/guardiola-ribery-deserves-ballon-dor-more-than-messi

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Ronaldo threatens to boycott Ballon d'Or

The Madrid star is unhappy with the Uefa chief's latest remarks, despite them being intended as a joke, and has hinted he will not go to the award ceremony
Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to boycott the Ballon d'Or after accusing Uefa president Michel Platini of attempting to provoke him.

The European football chief joked that the award's voting deadline was extended for the sake of the Real Madrid forward, but some Spanish outlets claimed that the Frenchman was being serious with his remarks.

Either way, Ronaldo has taken the comments to heart and refused to respond to Platini, while suggesting he may not go to the ceremony on January 13 in Zurich and instead stay in Madrid or go to Portugal.

"I think that [Platini] was trying to provoke me," the 28-year-old told reporters in Madeira, where he is enjoying a few days' rest and preparing for the opening of his own personal museum. "I will not respond.

"On the day of the Ballon d'Or ceremony I may be in Spain or in Zurich... or in Madeira."

The Portuguese winger has missed the last two games for his club having picked up a thigh injury in November, after starting each of the Blancos' opening 18 games this season.

He is currently the bookmakers' favourite to win the upcoming Ballon d'Or, ahead of fellow frontrunners Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi.


Courtesy: Miles Chambers

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3870/fifa-ballon-dor/2013/12/04/4453621/platini-tried-to-provoke-me-ronaldo-threatens-to-boycott