Cristiano Ronaldo insists he isn’t preoccupied with retaining the Ballon d’Or, but the Real Madrid forward admits he wants to win it again.
Ronaldo is the current holder of the award for the best player in Europe, winning the prize for the second time earlier this year.
The 2014 winner will be announced in January and Ronaldo is relaxed over his chances.
“My goal is always to be on top and I have achieved that in the last six or seven years,” he told a Press conference, AS reports.
“The hardest part is to be at the top for so many years. I’ve done that. The numbers speak for themselves. I won’t lose sleep over the Ballon d’Or.
“The people who vote, the Coaches and captains, will have time to reflect and decide who is the best player today.
“I don’t care because I’m doing my job. I don’t want to be hypocritical, obviously I would like to win for the third time, but it’s not for me. I will keep doing my best and we’ll see.”
Ronaldo explained that his success comes not through luck but through taking seriously his profession.
“Dedication and hard work are the key to what has been my success for clubs and the national team,” he added.
“I always want to learn more and improve my game. I’m in a great moment in my career.
“Every year I get asked if this is my best season. I always answer ‘we’ll see.’ Only at the end can we take stock.
“I’ve had a fantastic start to the season. The amount of goals is better than ever but I won’t stay there because I always want more.
“The season is long. There are a lot of games – in the League, the Champions League, the national team…
“The secret is to prepare well, to be at the highest level. I hope this year is better than last year.
“It’s getting more difficult, because the numbers are increasing, but I’m a person who likes a challenge and to push my body to the maximum and to see what I get.
“I hope it’s a year of much success on a personal and collective level.”
