Pele: Ronaldo deserved Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi

The Santos icon believes the Portugal international was unfortunate not to be awarded the trophy, while urging caution regarding the progress of Neymar

Brazil legend Pele has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo should have won the 2012 Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi following his efforts for Real Madrid.

The Portugal international had to settle for second spot in the race for the prestigious individual award as the Barcelona star landed the trophy for the fourth year in succession, but Pele believes Ronaldo would have been a more worthy winner.

“In terms of football, I say Messi, but in terms of successes I think Ronaldo deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. He won La Liga with Real Madrid,” Pele said in an interview with AS.

“I was at Fifa presenting the award on two occasions. Cristiano was close on both occasions, but Messi always had more.”

Pele then went on to discuss the transfer of Neymar from Santos to Barcelona and he thinks his compatriot could have some problems adapting to his new surroundings, while adding that the attacker still has room for improvement.

“It’s clear that the marking in European football is different to Brazilian or South American clubs. They’re stronger, the marking is tighter and the referees are used to this type of play. I think that this will be Neymar’s main difficulty.

“He has some obstacles to get over: he needs to play in a World Cup, he needs to improve his heading. By way of comparison, we had [Zinedine] Zidane a short time ago, one of the last great names in world football. He was an extremely complete player. Neymar still needs to get to that level.”

Neymar is currently preparing for Brazil’s Confederations Cup opener against Japan later on Saturday.

Isco to decide future after Euro Under-21 campaign

The promising youngster is believed to have caught the attention of Real Madrid and Manchester City, but has postponed making a decision on his next move

Isco says he will not make a decision on his future until after the European Under-21 Championship amid reports that both Real Madrid and Manchester City are keen to lure him away from Malaga.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Champions League quarter-finalists following a sparkling season, but he has stressed that the most important thing for him is that he gets regular first team football.

“There’s nothing new to say. And I would probably not say it if there were any new developments…,” the creative midfielder told AS.

“I will make a decision on my future once the European Under-21 Championship has come to an end.

“I am proud that Real Madrid are interested. There’s no arguing that they are a big club. It is important for me to play regularly, though.”

The Spain Under-21 star’s current contract with Malaga runs until 2016, but he has a release clause of €35 million.

Liverpool striker Suarez focused on Confederations Cup amid Real Madrid rumours

The 26-year-old has claimed it would be a ‘dream’ to move to the Spanish club but insists he is only concentrating on his summer campaign with Uruguay

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez insists he is solely focused on representing Uruguay at the Confederations Cup amid doubts over his future at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has publicly stated his desire to leave the Premier League this summer and has claimed that it would be a ‘dream’ to join Real Madrid.

Suarez will be in action on Sunday as Uruguay kick off their Confederations Cup campaign against Spain and the striker maintains he is not thinking about his future at Liverpool.

“I love to play for Uruguay. Now, I don’t want to think about anything else,” Suarez told reporters.

“I want to do my best here. The Confederations Cup is a very difficult tournament. Today, my biggest goal is to win this competition.

“Uruguay has an enormous prestige and the Confederations Cup is the only title we don’t have.”

Valdes enjoying 'healthy' Casillas competition

The Barca goalkeeper was wary of his fellow stopper’s ability, despite his exile from the Real Madrid team last season, while he reiterated his desire to leave Camp Nou next term

Victor Valdes has revealed that he is enjoying the “healthy” battle to become Spain No.1 with club rival Iker Casillas.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper fell out of favour last season following a reported bust-up with then-coach Jose Mourinho, thus prompting fears that the 32-year-old could no longer be regarded as indispensable by La Roja.

However, the Barcelona man insists Casillas is in “top form” despite his lack of match sharpness and is ready to prove his worth to Spain boss Vicente del Bosque during the Confederations Cup.

“[Casillas is] doing well, he’s the same as always; on top form and raring to go. He’s very motivated, on and off the pitch. It’s important we have a healthy competition, because that will benefit the team.

“I cannot reveal [who is No.1]. I am just another member of the squad and that has been the key of this team’s success.

“I will do what I am asked, and Del Bosque will decide. I am just grateful to be here, I have felt like the happiest child in the world since I was called up to the squad for the World Cup.

“It is a privilege to play with Spain and to be part of this team.”

Valdes announced at the tail end of the 2012-13 campaign that he would not renew his contract with Barca beyond next season, but while he admits his stance has not changed, he will see out the remaining year of his deal in Catalunya.

“My situation at Barcelona has not changed. I have one year left on my contract, which I’m going to complete, and I’m not going to renew,” he added.

“I am grateful for the club’s offer but nothing has changed. I have always been honest with the club.”

The Blaugrana recently concluded a deal to bring Neymar to the Camp Nou outfit and Valdes – despite his intention to move on in the coming year – is chomping at the bit to play alongside the Brazilian forward next term.

He said: “He is one of the best footballers around at the moment and I celebrate the fact he has joined us because the best players in the world need to play for Barca. He will help us to keep winning.”

Bale would fit Real Madrid perfectly, says Modric

The Croatian believes his former Tottenham team-mate would help his side take a step forward, as speculation mounts of a summer move for the Welshman

Gareth Bale would “fit perfectly” at Real Madrid, according to former Tottenham team-mate Luka Modric.

Goal understands Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has made Bale his No.1 target and is willing to offer him a mammoth €235,000-a-week to entice him from White Hart Lane to Santiago Bernabeu.

Tottenham expect Bale to remain at the club and have offered him a new deal worth £130,000-a-week, but Modric believes his former Spurs team-mate would make a huge impact in the Spanish capital.

“It is a complicated issue for me because I was at Tottenham with him,” the Croatian told Marca. “I can tell you that we’re friends and that he is an exceptional player.

“A club like Real Madrid, Tottenham or anyone else can only benefit from having a player like that.

“As Real Madrid is a team of stars, Bale would fit perfectly. He would give us a different dimension.

“If he signs or not is a matter for the clubs, but if he ends up at Real Madrid that can only be good for us.

“As Real Madrid is a team of stars, Bale would fit perfectly. He would give us a different dimension. He can shoot, has strength and speed and is the type of player who could help us take a step forward.”

Modric also took the opportunity to dispel reports he is unsettled in Spain and is considering a return to the Premier League this summer.

“I have no doubt [I will stay],” he insisted. “I want to remain at the best club in the world.

“It is a privilege to be here. I want to show more in the future and I am not thinking about anything other than continuing here next season.

“I think Real have only seen a little bit of my game. I can perform better and offer more. In the future I hope to do that and prove to the club and the fans that they were right to bring me here.

“I want to make sure that I have a good pre-season and prepare well for next season. That is important to me.”