Portugal Coach hails Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or nomination for 8th time

Lisbon, Dec 1: Portugal head coach Fernando Santos believes that the nomination of captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the shortlist of best footballer in the world in 2015 is “more than fair” recalling that it is the eighth time that the Real Madrid star has been in the top three finalists for the Ballon d’Or award.

Santos noted on Monday that the nomination reflects Ronaldo’s value as the best player in the world, according to the Portuguese Football Federation website.

The Real Madrid star won the Ballon d’Or three times in 2008, 2013 and 2014, while he is competing with Argentine Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar Jr, both of Barcelona, for this year’s award, reports Efe. The winner of 2015 will be announced on January 11, 2016 in Zurich.

Santos explained that Ronaldo contributed much to the success of the Portuguese team, which has qualified for the 2016 Euro in France. The 30-year-old has appeared in 123 games with his national team and scored 55 goals.

Ronaldo also played in 2004, 2008 and 2012 Euro tournaments and the FIFA World Cup of 2006, 2010 and 2014. (IANS)