Real Madrid have
criticized UEFA president Michel Platini for suggesting their forward Cristiano
Ronaldo should not win the Ballon d'Or.
Platini, 59, said the
annual prize, which is given to the world's best player, should be awarded to
one of Germany's World Cup-winning squad.
The Spanish club have
expressed their "surprise" at Platini's comments.
2013 winner Ronaldo, 29,
is favourite to retain the honour after helping Madrid to a 10th European
title.
The Portugal skipper has
scored 48 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side
this year - up to Saturday's trip to Malaga.
As well as the Champions
League, he helped Madrid win the Spanish Copa Del Rey and UEFA Super Cup last
season and has also claimed a host of individual awards.
But former France
midfielder Platini said he believed that a "world champion" deserved
to win the Ballon d'Or, which will be announced on January 12 in Zurich.
Six Germany players -
Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Bastian
Schweinsteiger - have been named in the 23-man shortlist.
"We are surprised at
the repeated declarations regarding his personal preferences over the choice of
the winner of the Ballon d'Or, particularly given that he is the head of
European football's principal body, where our understanding is that the
strictest impartiality should prevail," said a Madrid statement released
on Friday.
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Former
Juventus and France midfielder Michel Platini was the first man to win the
Ballon d'Or three times in a row. He was awarded the prize between 1983 and
1985 when it was given to European players only
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"We believe that
Cristiano Ronaldo has without doubt had his best ever professional year
individually.
"It confirms his great
moment of form and ensures that, more than ever, he is deserving of the Ballon
d'Or. |
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Hope they are not caucusing to fix that one too? Spanish giants angry UEFA boss said Germany World
Cup winner should get prestigious award.
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