Sergio Ramos thanks Iker Casillas for Ballon d'Or vote

Sergio Ramos thanks Casillas for Ballon d'Or nomination

24 Oct 2012 17:20:00

Los Blancos man is grateful for his vote for Fifa’s Golden Ball award who the shot-stopper selected as his first pick along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain international Xavi

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has paid tribute to his team-mate Iker Casillas after the goalkeeper nominated him for the Ballon d’Or.

Ramos was the 31-year-old's first pick along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Xavi. Whether it's a player, coach or journalist voting, five points goes to first pick, three to second choice and one point to the third selected player.

And the versatile Spanish full-back took to his Twitter page to thank his club and national colleague on his selection for the individual award.

“I want to thank my great friend Iker for his vote for the Golden Ball,” tweeted Ramos.

The 26-year-old, who is just three caps short of 100 for Spain, has enjoyed a phenomenal year of success for both club and country, as he won La Liga and the European Championships.

Earlier, Ramos had said the Spain No.1 was the best goalkeeper in the world, and the shot-stopper is tipped to have an outside chance of lifting prestigious award which has been won by Lionel Messi for the past three seasons running.