‘Falcao for Ballon d’Or is impossible’

Faustino Asprilla says it is impossible for compatriot Radamel Falcao to win the Ballon d’Or while he is with Atletico Madrid.

Asprilla, 42, had spells in Europe with Parma and Newcastle United between 1992 and 1999, and is convinced his fellow Colombian stands no chance of picking up the award unless he signs for one of the continent’s great clubs.

“Winning a Ballon d’Or at Atletico Madrid is impossible. Only players who are at great clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Milan or Juventus win it,” he told Cadena Ser’s Play Football programme.

“I hope he stays there [with Atleti] until the next World Cup because the national team is doing very well. Falcao was born to score goals. He is a great marksman, the best finisher as Alan Shearer once was.

“Radamel is a player who needs to be playing in the Champions League and Atletico are going to find it very difficult to keep him. He will have to go to another club to break records.”

Asprilla also revealed what he had been doing with himself since deciding to call time on his playing career.

“Since I retired I’ve dedicated myself to watching football and I have a soccer school for children. We are dedicated to training some of them so they get the opportunities I once enjoyed.”

Tags As Ballon d'Or Falcao Shearer
La Liga - Club News