Paris Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn’t too optimistic about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or award, despite being included in the 23-man shortlist yesterday.
The Swedish forward has been in fiery form this year, as he spearheaded PSG to yet another Ligue 1 title, before also clinching the Coupe de la Ligue with the French side.
However, he was absent from the FIFA World Cup, as Sweden were knocked out by Portugal during the play-offs; something that Ibrahimovic feels will affect his chances greatly.
“I’ve been nominated, but it will be difficult because I didn’t play the World Cup,” Ibra said.
“A lot of fantastic players shone at the World Cup, so they’ll have a certain advantage, but as long as I do what I can do, that I achieve results and I play at a high level, I can aim to win this award. That’s what I try to do anyway day after day, by working again and again.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is the reigning award winner, and he goes into the end of the year as the favourite to retain the crown after yet another scintillating year with Real Madrid and Portugal.
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