Ribery: Ballon d'Or win would be for my dad

The Bayern winger says he would dedicate the Fifa award to his family
and claims he holds no grudge against Arjen Robben for backing
Cristiano Ronaldo
By RAMSEY DUBEM
Dec 22, 2013 1:00:00 PM
Franck Ribery hopes that he can secure the Ballon d'Or after his
exploits with Bayern Munichin 2013, saying that it would be great for
him and his family.
The Frenchman featured as the Bavarians overcame Raja Casablanca on
Saturday to lift the Club World Cup, their fifth trophy in 2013 to add
to their Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Uefa Super Cup
wins.
Ribery stressed that his stellar year should put him firmly in
contention for the Ballon d'Or alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano
Ronaldo and that he would dedicate the win in part to his construction
worker father, Francois.
"It was an extraordinary year, for the club, the people and for me,"
he toldTelefoot. "We broke everything record-wise. We took a lot of
pleasure on and off the pitch.
"I have put in so much effort on the pitch. I think I deserved the
Uefa European Best Player award. I would be very happy to win the
Ballon d'Or. It would be great for me, my wife, my kids and my
father."
The future France international was two years old when he was
propelled through a car windscreen as his father Francois Ribery
slammed on the brakes to avoid a head-on collision, though it left his
son scarred for life.
The winger also commented on team-mate Arjen Robben, playing down any
disappointment at the fact that the Dutchman publicly expressed his
backing for Ronaldo in the race to be named Ballon d'Or winner.
"He corrected himself quickly," the 30-year-old added. "Everyone can
give their thoughts, no problem.
"It is already something extraordinary to be nominated alongside
Ronaldo and Messi. I have every chance, I was there in the big games.
It is the best year of my career."
The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced in a ceremony in
Zurich on January 13