Fernando Hierro has given his backing to Cristiano Ronaldo to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or and Isco to overcome recent disappointment at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo is seen as in contention to once more this year make the final three in the polling for the Ballon d’Or, alongside other award favourites Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi.
For one of Madrid’s former stars, the Portuguese is the outright deserving recipient of the 2013 edition of the award.
“Today, Cristiano is the best player in the world and it is a pleasure to have him at Real Madrid and enjoy him every three days of the week,” Hierro has considered to reporters today.
“For his performance, for all that he brings, for all that he means, if I had the responsibility then I know perfectly well that I would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He is a wonderful player, with outstanding performance, a player who 95 per cent of the games is at an extraordinary level. Without a doubt, for me, he is the clear Ballon d’Or winner.
“Franck Ribery’s assertion he should win it? Everyone has their opinion. I would like to see the top five as based in Spain, but personally and with all the respect to Ribery and Lionel Messi, if I had to bet on one, it would be on Cristiano. He is the best this year footballistically.”
Speaking at a charity event to raise awareness for diabetes, the retired former Spain international also had words of encouragement for Isco, who recently has dropped out of the picture at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“He is young, he has signed for five years. He started fantastically well and the Coach has decided that in these last three or so games not to start him.
“He is young, with energy and a quality and extraordinary talent. He has to get used to the competitiveness that there is in a big team. I am sure he will triumph.
“He is a fantastic signing for the club, with a present and a future that will bring much joy to Real Madrid.”
