Real Madrid defender Pepe has claimed that teammate Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.
The Portuguese centre-back believes his fellow countryman is the best player in the world, but does concede that he suffers from an image problem.
“Cristiano is the best player in the world to a lot of people,” he told a Press conference. “He was a big reason why we won the title last season.
“I think the reason he may have an image problem is largely down to the Press. People raise a lot of questions, and that gives his this 'bad guy' image.
“The only thing we worry about though, is that he's happy and can help us win.
“If it was up to me, Madrid would extend his contract for as long as possible.”
He also commented on the upcoming match with Manchester City, believing that the Premier League can cause problems, despite them already being eliminated from the Champions League.
“Their mentality is one that we have to be wary of,” he said. “They always work for the entire 90 minutes.
“But we have a great ability and I think we can come away from here with a win.
“We have our style of play, we have to be true to that style and do what the Coach asks. In a difficult group you always have to do thing the right way.”
