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Zidane: Cristiano Ronaldo deserves fifth Ballon d' Or

Xinhua, December 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to win his fifth Ballon d' Or.

"Cristiano has won so many awards, it is a great achievement for him, he is always doing well, I believe he deserves the fifth Ballon d' Or." Zidane said.

The 31-year-old Portuguese beat out Lionel Mess Antoine Griezmann to win the Ballon d'Or for fourth time after 2008, 2013 and 2014.

Zidane spoke at the pre-match press conference of 2016 FIFA Club World Cup here on Wednesday before the semifinal clash between Real Madrid and Mexico' s Club America.

"This will be a very important tournament for us," the frenchman said.

"It is important to maintain our condition after such a long journey, the players are tired.

"But after two days preparation, we are fully prepared for tomorrow' s match." he added.

The Real Madrid coach refused to give his possible starting 11, but he confirmed Sergio Ramos would miss the semifinal.

"I don' t think he will be play tomorrow," said the 44-year-old, "he is not in a serious condition, but after a long journey, he is tired."

"I don't want to take any risk, so I will take him out of the squad and keep him in the final," he added. Endit