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Mario Balotelli: I can win the Ballon d'Or but only if Lionel Messi drops in form
The Manchester City attacker has stated his belief that he has what it takes to win the prestigious award if the Barcelona ace fails to maintain his high level
7 Feb 2012 13:07:00
By Stefan Coerts
Getty Images
Manchester City attacker Mario Balotelli feels that he has the qualities to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or in the future, but admitted that much depends on whether Barcelona star Lionel Messi will be able to maintain his current level.
The Argentina international followed in the footsteps of France legend Michel Platini earlier this year when he won the prestigious individual trophy for the third time in succession, but Balotelli is ready to take Messi's place once his form dips.
"I can win the Ballon d'Or, but only if Messi's level drops a bit," the former Inter attacker was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"It will be very complicated to do so if he keeps up his current form. I really believe I can win the award, but there's not much I can do if Messi maintains this level."
The 21-year-old attacker joined Manchester City from Inter in the summer of 2010, and has become an important first-team member at the Citizens this season.
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The Argentina international followed in the footsteps of France legend Michel Platini earlier this year when he won the prestigious individual trophy for the third time in succession, but Balotelli is ready to take Messi's place once his form dips.
"I can win the Ballon d'Or, but only if Messi's level drops a bit," the former Inter attacker was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"It will be very complicated to do so if he keeps up his current form. I really believe I can win the award, but there's not much I can do if Messi maintains this level."
The 21-year-old attacker joined Manchester City from Inter in the summer of 2010, and has become an important first-team member at the Citizens this season.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 4-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
20:17 BST
It's now 5-0 to Netherlands. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has just come on for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who scored two goals. A bit of debate on who will start between those two at the Euros, it's an interesting one.
20:14 BST
The general consensus, then, is that Danny Welbeck should be starting up front against France with Ashley Young supporting him. How about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? Did he do enough to earn a starting role at Euro 2012?
20:06 BST
So, that game gave a few players a chance to impress for England. Who did/didn't? Will Welbeck start against France? Or Carroll? Or Defoe?!
19:59 BST
Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, they are trailing the Netherlands 4-0 at half-time. Looks like that one's all sewn up then.
19:54 BST
We're still getting plenty of Hazard chat on Twitter. A few are now saying that he's not worth the hype, others saying he was brilliant(!?) and others (which I agree with), saying he created much of his own hype. What do you think? Get involved!
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