I deserve Ballon d´Or, says Ronaldo

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo believes he deserves to win this year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Speaking in an interview published in Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, the Portuguese pin-up said he should be the favourite to land both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s world player of the year award.

Last season Ronaldo was in stunning form, scoring 42 goals in all competitions and winning the Premier League and Champions League double with United.

He also finished as the European Golden Boot winner — having scored 31 Premier League goals — and scored in the Champions League final in Moscow.

“Honestly, I feel calm,” he said. “Two or three others deserve the Ballon d’Or. But if you evaluate what each one did over the course of the whole season I believe I did more than everyone else.

“What else do I have to do to win for the Ballon d’Or and Fifa award?”

The Ballon d’Or is voted for by 96 journalists from around the world, selected by ‘France Football’ magazine, while the FIFA world player of the year award is voted for by international coaches and captains.

As well as Ronaldo, Barcelona’s Argentine wizard Lionel Messi is also being touted to succeed AC Milan’s Kaka as the holder of both titles.

Ronaldo has already replaced Kaka as winner of the UEFA Club footballer of the year prize.

Now the Portuguese flyer is looking forward to even more club success with United, having agreed to stay at Old Trafford despite intense interest from Real Madrid during the close season.

“Until now no team has retained the Champions League. Sooner or later that has to change, it could happen this time,” he said.

“Manchester United have the potential to do it again.”

When asked about United’s most likely rivals this season, Ronaldo upset the Italian newspaper by failing to mention Italy’s top side.

Having listed Chelsea, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Juventus, he was asked about Inter Milan.

“Ah yes, also Inter,” he replied.