Tata Martino has congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on his Ballon d’Or win, but insists that the best player in the world is at Barcelona.
The Real Madrid forward picked up his second Golden Ball on Monday, but ahead of their game against Getafe in the Copa del Rey, the Blaugrana boss was moved to put Lionel Messi as the game’s best.
“Wait a minute. First of all, I’d like to congratulate Cristiano, of course, and everyone else who won something that night,” he told a Press conference.
“It’s a very important award and puts an extra shine on a season for a player. However, I don’t lose sight of my beliefs because of an award.
“Being the best footballer in the world is one thing, winning an award is another thing. And we have the best player in the world right here.
“But all he [Messi] wants is that things to go well for Barcelona and Argentina. I don’t think he’ll be worrying too much about the Ballon d’Or.
“He has come on in the second half in the last two games. He is looking good. This is a good opportunity for him to play.
“We’ll have to decide if we play him from the start or bring him on in the second half, but he’s perfectly fit.”
The Argentine Coach then commented on Marc Bartra’s new deal and the form his side are currently enjoying.
“First of all, we have players of great ability, players capable of winning game after game in any circumstance, and above all, players who never tire of winning.
“They go far in one competition, win another, sometimes they win everything. But the objective is always to keep winning. When your players are playing well, it’s easier to achieve your objectives.
“For me, Bartra’s contract is very good news, just as Iniesta’s and Busquets’ contracts were. The young lad has earned a place in the team. It was fundamental that Barça held onto him, and he’s a youth product to boot. It’s great news for everyone.”
