Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann has admitted he would vote for Manuel Neuer to win the Ballon d’Or award.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has been named as one of the finalists alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the accolade, which will be presented in January, and Griezmann believes it is something the 28-year-old World Cup winner would fully deserve.
“I’m with Neuer because basically I’m not in favour of Messi or Ronaldo,” said the Frenchman somewhat surprisingly at a promotional event in Paris.
“Neuer is a great goalkeeper and has been a world champion, although all three deserve the Ballon d’Or.
“Somehow, all three have had a great season. Let the best man win.”
Griezmann also touched on Franck Ribery’s self-imposed exile from the France national team, saying he would be welcomed back with open arms.
“He knows that if he wants to return he will be welcome. But Ribery or not, nothing will ever change my desire to do well for France,” he added.