Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times already, has commented on his chances of lifting this year's award and beating longstanding rival Lionel Messi's Golden Ball count.
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The 33-year-old was the Man of the Match in his side's 2-1 win over Empoli on the weekend, scoring both goals.
In the build-up to the 2018 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, which will be hosted by France Football on 3 December, Ronaldo spoke to the French publication in an exclusive interview, during which he insisted that he deserves this year's prize.
"I said many times, winning a sixth Ballon d'Or is not an obsession," he told France Football.
"And I do not ask the question in these terms. I already know, in my heart, that I am one of the best players in history.
"Of course, I want to win this sixth Ballon d'Or! It would be a lie to tell you the opposite. I work for that.
"As I work to score goals and win games without it being an obsession.
"I think I deserve it this year… Yes, I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or for the sixth time and passing, in this case, Lionel Messi."
Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 when playing for Manchester United, and also lifted the award four times during his nine years at Real Madrid, including the past two editions of the accolade.
Overall, he has now claimed the Golden Ball five times, as many as Messi, who became the first player ever to win the Ballon d'Or five times when lifting it in 2015.
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However, Luka Modric is widely seen as the favourite to claim this year's Ballon d'Or after already picking up the UEFA Player of the Year and FIFA's The Best Men's Player awards.
Who do you think will win this year's Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments section below.
