German goalie Manuel Neuer downplays (brief) chance of winning the Ballon d'Or
German goal keeper Manuel Neuer doesn't think he's the best. But how does he feel about his peers?
In an interview with German football magazine, Kicker, he not only downplayed his chances of winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or, but also took a not-so-subtle dig at Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 28-year-old has been shortlisted as one of the candidates to win the coveted annual award, which names the best football player in the world.
He had a successful season with Bayern Munich, lifting the league tittle and of course winning the World Cup with the German national team.
Despite the accomplishments, he fully expects to come away empty-handed when the winner is named on Jan 12 next year (2015).
Why? Because he is not active in managing his brand - unlike certain other players.
I am an athlete, no ambassador of a brand, besides being the first goalkeeper of Adidas. I'm not the sort of person who poses in their underwear.
I hate the red carpet, I prefer the green grass. I feel better on the pitch, trying to improve myself...After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists.
Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back - Manuel Neuer to Kicker Magazine.
Just in case you're wondering, Cristiano Ronaldo has his own line of underwear called CR7 underwear.
Cristiano Ronaldo showing of his wares. Photo/ YouTube screengrabe/ JBS Underwear
Ronaldo, along with a certain Lionel Messi, are favourites to win the award.
Sources: Daily Mail, FIFA, YouTube
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