Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists Cristiano Ronaldo “isn’t anxious”, “may be angry” for not scoring and “clearly deserves” the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo has scored just four goals this season, his worst start to a campaign for Madrid, but the attacker had struggled with injury problems in its opening month and Zidane maintained his relentless backing of the “unique” Portuguese.
“Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or? I know how it works, but everything I’ve seen of him throughout the year has been the same,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“He’s set the bar very high and every time he doesn’t score, it’s seen as a problem when it’s quite the opposite.
“The 2016 he’s had isn’t only about his individual level, but also team level. He knows that everything he’s done is because of his work and that of everyone around him.
“I was talking about it to him the other day. He clearly deserves the Ballon d’Or.
“I don’t see him to be anxious, but he may be angry. He wants to score a goal, so it’s normal.
“He’s unique in what he’s done and doing. His level is so high that when he doesn’t score, people from the outside are surprised. He has to live with that, it’s what comes with being a phenomena.”
Zidane also had a warning for Ronaldo’s fellow BBC members if they stopped performing, before paying tribute to his former Madrid teammate – the No 7’s Brazilian namesake – for being inducted into Mexico’s footballing hall of fame.
“BBC always starting? I won’t make unfair decisions,” he added.
“Ronaldo [Nazario] entering Mexico’s Hall of Fame? I congratulate him.
“I have a lot of affection for him and can only say that he’s the best player I’ve ever played with. I appreciate him very much.”
