Mario Balotelli explains how he can still win the Ballon d’Or

Posted Friday, December 09, 2016 by givemesport.com

Mario Balotelli's career has taken something of a nose dive over recent years but the Italian forward still hasn't given up on his career dream of winning the Ballon d'Or.

The 26-year-old, who joined Nice on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool in the summer, has rediscovered his form and confidence since arriving in France.

Balotelli has scored six goals in six appearances for Nice, who currently sit top of the Ligue 1 table, and at this rate he'll find himself linked with a return to one of Europe's big boys.

The enigmatic striker told reporters earlier this year that he still hopes to win the Ballon d'Or - despite how ludicrous that might seem to everyone else.

"In my view there weren't enough [expectations put on me], as I can do so much more than what I said. But it takes time," Balotelli was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "On the scale of 0 to 10, I stopped at five, but I'll get to 10 eventually. I want to get there. I will win the Ballon d'Or.

"I do realise that I've spent two years of my career when I could've been getting closer to 10 and instead stayed at five.

"I know, the Ballon d'Or might seem laughable and I might not have done everything to be the best, but the important thing is I realised it's not too late."

BALOTELLI: HOW I CAN WIN THE BALLON D'OR

And Balotelli, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport this week, believes there's still one way he can land his hands on world football's most prestigious individual accolade.

“If I do a good season without injuries and concentrated, it is not impossible for me to win the Ballon d'Or,” he said.

BALOTELLI: RONALDO AND MESSI ARE THE BEST

However, he conceded that he's not one of the very best footballers on the planet.

Two players belong in that category and there are no prizes for correctly guessing who they are.

"Ronaldo and Messi. No one is like them," Balotelli added.

BALOTELLI PROBABLY WON'T WIN THE BALLON D'OR

The idea of Balotelli winning the Ballon d'Or is, let's face it, fanciful at best.

Ronaldo and Messi aren't going anywhere anytime soon while the likes of Neymar, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann are all far more likely to win the coveted award over the forthcoming years.