Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has admitted he wants Lionel Messi or Xavi Hernandez to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for 2011, rather than Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Barca pair were recently named in the three-man shortlist for the prestigious award alongside the Portuguese, with the winner to be announced at a special gala in Zurich on January 9.
And Iniesta makes no apologies for favouring his club teammates ahead of the profilic Portugal forward.
“The three that are there are the best three,” admitted Iniesta, who was on the shortlist for the 2010 award won by Messi. “But I have two colleagues and I will be happy if the winner is one of them.”
The 27-year-old Spain international was speaking at the Albacete Sports Gala, where he was honoured with the award for Sports Excellence, and he said he is looking forward to next year.
“2012 will be an exciting year. Spain have a big challenge at Euro 2012, and Barcelona have a season that will also be exciting.”
The Albacete native also said “it would have been nice” to see his hometown club visit Camp Nou this season, and wished them luck for the remainder of the campaign.
“I’ve never hidden my love for Albacete, the city and its people. The Copa del Rey clash they now have with Atletico Madrid is very important and exciting, but the league is important above all else this season.”
Iniesta picked up a hamstring strain recently, but insists he is not worried about the injury.
“I’m fine. I’m trying to enjoy the holidays with the family, turning off a bit. I am also thinking a bit about my leg, although it is not important and I hope to be fit again very soon.”
Barcelona restart their La Liga campaign against Espanyol on January 8.
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Iniesta tips Messi, Xavi for Ballon d’Or