Cristiano Ronaldo is the rightful winner of the 2013 Ballon d’Or, his Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos has said.
Ramos was himself named in the FIFPro team of the year but paid tribute to his colleague.
“If anyone deserves this award this year it’s Cristiano,” Ramos told reporters.
“It is very great news for Real Madrid and for him personally.
“I was thrilled for Cristiano and it was an emotional moment for many people. I was ready to cry with him.
“After so many years, to finally be given the prize, and with his son there with him, there are many factors that can make you cry.
“Tears are a normal emotion. Football is not just sport, it is feeling, and Cristiano has won us all.”
Ramos also pointed to the presence of two of the three nominees for the award in Spanish football, with Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery the runners-up.
“La Liga is still a major League. If they want to be here, we have to keep them.”
Speaking about his own recognition as one of the defenders of the year, Ramos added: “It is gratifying to be considered one of the best in the world.
“Individual awards are thanks to my colleagues. They encourage me to keep working.”
