Cristiano Ronaldo: Sir Alex Ferguson claims Real Madrid forward deserves Ballon d’Or gong over Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale
Former Man United boss says no-one is more deserving of the gong than his ex-player, who played 291 times for him
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has claimed no-one deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or more than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Scot boss – who coached the Portuguese superstar for six seasons at Manchester United – reckons what he has achieved in 2016 means he deserves it more than Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale and Barca trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Ferguson told Marca: “Cristiano‘s achievements are unsurpassed, he has had a wonderful year.
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“I cannot think of anyone better to lift the Ballon d’Or trophy.
“He won both the Champions League with Real Madrid and captained Portugal at Euro 2016 where, despite having to miss the end of the final through injury, he was on the sideline cheering on his team-mates, such was his desire to lift the trophy. It was wonderful.
“One of the moments when I feel most proud is the thought that Manchester United played a role in his career and we wish him well.”
Ferguson signed Ronaldo, now 31, for United when he was just 18-years-old, where he went on to play 292 games, netting 118 goals following his £15million transfer.
In 2016 alone, CR7 has won the Champions League with Real Madrid as well as the European Championships, where he famously ‘coached’ the team from the sidelines during the extra-time win over France.
Ronaldo has shared the Ballon d’Or title with arch-rival Messi through the last eight years, with Ron winning three times to Leo’s five.