LUIS SUAREZ has hit out at the Ballon d’Or by claiming it is designed for “marketable” players.
The Barcelona striker is nominated for the prestigious award – alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – following his Golden Shoe triumph for bagging 40 goals last season.
Messi and Ronaldo are the only players to have won the gong since Kaka in 2007.
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Suarez, who helped Barca win the La Liga title and Copa del Rey last term, reckons he has no chance in causing an upset this year.
The 29-year-old Uruguayan said: “The Ballon d’Or is more to do with marketing and press than for achievements on the pitch.
“I’ve earned all the awards I’ve been given. The Golden Shoe is for scoring the most goals and there’s no option for people to take that away from me.
“I don’t have a chance [with] the Ballon d’Or because it works around marketing and I don’t have that. My ambition is to win another Champions League, that would be great.”
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Ronaldo, 31, is favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or after winning the Champions League and Euros with Portugal.
But Suarez claims it is Messi, 29, who poses the biggest threat.
When asked whether competing against his Barca pal complicates matters, Suarez said: “Of course. But I was referring to getting on the podium.
“To win it is impossible because I have the privilege of playing with the best in the world and an excellent person. He’s the best in history.”
Messi and Ronaldo have both enjoyed a personal battle to win the Ballon d’Or since 2007, but Suarez has twice dethroned them in the race for the Golden Shoe.
But the former Liverpool ace wants no comparisons drawn between himself and the superstar pair, insisting he is a unique player.
Suarez added: “I don’t compare myself with anyone.
“I have my way of playing and being, which is different. My way is to help the team. If individual awards come they’re welcome because I’m a goal scorer and, sometimes, egotistic. But your team-mates don’t let you [get carried away] and that’s something you’re most grateful about.”
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