Cristiano Ronaldo desperate to prove he deserved fourth Ballon d’Or by firing Real Madrid to the Club World Cup
Zinedine Zidane hails his legendary forward ahead of clash with Mexico's Club America in Japan
CRISTIANO Ronaldo is itching to prove he deserved his fourth Ballon d’Or by firing Real Madrid to the Club World Cup, says Zinedine Zidane.
The Portuguese star will lead the La Liga side’s pursuit of the prize in Japan.
Mexican side Club America will meet the Champions League holders in the semi-final on Thursday.
And Madrid boss insists his talisman is in determined mood after pipping rival Lionel Messi for the prestigious award earlier this week.
Speaking in Yokohama this week, Zidane said: “Cristiano is hugely motivated for this game – as always.
“He would be motivated even if it were a friendly, that’s just the sort of player he is.
“Obviously we have many great players at Real Madrid but it’s very rare one player wins so many awards.”
He continued: “To win four Ballon d’Ors is a fabulous achievement and it’s not an easy thing to do. What he’s doing is absolutely incredible. Maybe he deserves a fifth one too.”
One man who will not be in action for the Spanish giants tomorrow is captain Sergio Ramos.
“I don’t think he will play tomorrow,” revealed Zidane.
“It’s not a serious problem but he’s suffering some fatigue after the long journey and we don’t want to take the risk. We will keep him back for the final.”
Also missing is Gareth Bale. The Welshman is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Despite his absence, Madrid are still heavy favourites to win the tournament for the second time in just three years.
But Zidane has warned his men against complacency ahead of the clash.
He added: “For many of their players maybe it will be their only chance to play against Real Madrid and they will be desperate to win.
“I have told the players we can’t just turn up and expect to win, we have to earn it.
“Club America have many skillful and intelligent players and I’m sure they will give us plenty of headaches.
“We expect a very difficult match but it’s just as important for us.”
Should Madrid triumph, they will face Japanese champions Kashima Antlers.