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Casillas: Spain want to make more history
Iker Casillas is determined to help Spain to continue making history by lifting the World Cup once more in Brazil next summer.
La Roja won the trophy last time out, with European Championship triumphs coming either side of their victory in 2010.
And the Real Madrid skipper is determined to lead his side to their fourth major tournament in a row.
He said at his side's kit launch: "We’re delighted with the new kit and we are excited about going to the World Cup. We want to make our mark in Brazil and make history once again."
Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, says he is confident that Spain can retain the trophy, with the tournament now just seven months away.
He added: "We’re really fired up, confident and keen to defend the trophy. A lot of the other national sides want to snatch the cup from us but what’s stopping us from winning it again?"
Spain will discover their group stage opponents on December 6.
International Friendly Fixture 2013.11.14
International Friendly Fixture 2013.11.14
Belgium Vs Colombia
Belgium Vs Colombia
Villa is not in a happy mood in this picture..!
Belgium 0-2 Colombia: Falcao and Ibarbo down Wilmots' wasteful side
Belgium fell to their first defeat of 2013 as Colombia came away from Brussels with a 2-0 friendly victory on Thursday.
Christian Benteke squandered a number of goalscoring opportunities for the hosts before Colombia striker Radamel Falcao broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half. Victor Ibarbo then added a second with a powerful left-footed volley in the 66th minute, but the Belgians had no response.
The defeat is Belgium’s first for exactly a year - their last reverse coming in a 2-1 loss to Romania on November 14 2012 - while Colombia have now won five of their last seven.
Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas dropped to the bench in favour of Benteke and Eden Hazard for Belgium as Marc Wilmots made seven changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw with Wales in their last competitive outing.
Colombia, meanwhile, made five alterations to the line-up that started a 2-1 victory over Paraguay last time out, with star striker Falcao among the players to come in.
Benteke had the first effort at goal for the hosts in the sixth minute, but directed his header narrowly wide of 42-year-old keeper Faryd Mondragon's right post from close range.
Mondragon's opposite number Simon Mignolet then needed to be alert 10 minutes later as he touched the ball behind for a corner after Falcao failed to make a meaningful connection with a dangerous cross from the right.
Belgium had a claim for a penalty midway through the opening period as Benteke was bundled over in the area, but referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on as both goalkeepers remained relatively unthreatened.The Aston Villa striker was in the thick of the action once again five minutes prior to the break, heading well over from a Marouane Fellaini cross.
Benteke continued to dominate the goalmouth action after half-time and had an 18-yard strike deflected over the crossbar three minutes in.
But it was Colombia who went ahead in the 51st minute, as Falcao beat the offside trap and found himself with the space and time to take the ball around Mignolet and slot into an empty net.
And Jose Pekerman's men doubled their advantage six minutes after the hour mark as substitute Ibarbo brought the ball down superbly 12 yards out before firing a left-footed volley beyond Mignolet shortly after being introduced to the action.
Belgium then went in search of a route back into the game and Thomas Vermaelen nodded the ball down for Marouane Fellaini in the Colombian penalty area, only for the Manchester United midfielder to sidefoot his effort against the right-hand upright.
Moments later, Dries Mertens did brilliantly to knock the ball between two defenders, but his eventual effort was thwarted by the same post that had denied Fellaini as Wilmots' side's nine-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Belgium fell to their first defeat of 2013 as Colombia came away from Brussels with a 2-0 friendly victory on Thursday.
Christian Benteke squandered a number of goalscoring opportunities for the hosts before Colombia striker Radamel Falcao broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half. Victor Ibarbo then added a second with a powerful left-footed volley in the 66th minute, but the Belgians had no response.
The defeat is Belgium’s first for exactly a year - their last reverse coming in a 2-1 loss to Romania on November 14 2012 - while Colombia have now won five of their last seven.
Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas dropped to the bench in favour of Benteke and Eden Hazard for Belgium as Marc Wilmots made seven changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw with Wales in their last competitive outing.
Colombia, meanwhile, made five alterations to the line-up that started a 2-1 victory over Paraguay last time out, with star striker Falcao among the players to come in.
Benteke had the first effort at goal for the hosts in the sixth minute, but directed his header narrowly wide of 42-year-old keeper Faryd Mondragon's right post from close range.
Mondragon's opposite number Simon Mignolet then needed to be alert 10 minutes later as he touched the ball behind for a corner after Falcao failed to make a meaningful connection with a dangerous cross from the right.
Belgium had a claim for a penalty midway through the opening period as Benteke was bundled over in the area, but referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on as both goalkeepers remained relatively unthreatened.The Aston Villa striker was in the thick of the action once again five minutes prior to the break, heading well over from a Marouane Fellaini cross.
Benteke continued to dominate the goalmouth action after half-time and had an 18-yard strike deflected over the crossbar three minutes in.
But it was Colombia who went ahead in the 51st minute, as Falcao beat the offside trap and found himself with the space and time to take the ball around Mignolet and slot into an empty net.
And Jose Pekerman's men doubled their advantage six minutes after the hour mark as substitute Ibarbo brought the ball down superbly 12 yards out before firing a left-footed volley beyond Mignolet shortly after being introduced to the action.
Belgium then went in search of a route back into the game and Thomas Vermaelen nodded the ball down for Marouane Fellaini in the Colombian penalty area, only for the Manchester United midfielder to sidefoot his effort against the right-hand upright.
Moments later, Dries Mertens did brilliantly to knock the ball between two defenders, but his eventual effort was thwarted by the same post that had denied Fellaini as Wilmots' side's nine-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Roberto Carlos tips Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or
Former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos has revealed his confidence that Cristiano Ronaldo can beat the likes of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to the 2013 Ballon d'Or.
The Portuguese sensation has netted 62 goals in 2013 already has 24 this season, although a lack of silverware with Madrid in 2012-13 could hamper his chances of lifting the prestigious individual prize for the first time since 2008.
Roberto Carlos, however, insists there is no-one more deserving of the prize than the 28-year-old attacking star.
"Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or," he told teinteresa.es. "And I think this year he is going to get it.
"What Ronaldo is doing, in getting goals so regularly, should be rewarded. I think he’s going to win."
Roberto Carlos went on to lavish praise on Ronaldo's new team-mate Gareth Bale and backed the Welshman to become a global star at Santiago Bernabeu."Bale is one of the best in the world. He proved that in England and has already started doing some great things at Real Madrid," said the Brazilian.
"I'm sure he's going to be one of the best. He's also young and has room for even more improvement."Finally, the Sivasspor boss believes Carlo Ancelotti's side will reclaim the Liga title from Barcelona this season if they continue to build on their recent strong form.
"If Madrid play to their best, which they are beginning to do, then I think they will win the League," he added.
"They have a good squad with new, young players, and others with more experience. I think the project looks great."
Former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos has revealed his confidence that Cristiano Ronaldo can beat the likes of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to the 2013 Ballon d'Or.
The Portuguese sensation has netted 62 goals in 2013 already has 24 this season, although a lack of silverware with Madrid in 2012-13 could hamper his chances of lifting the prestigious individual prize for the first time since 2008.
Roberto Carlos, however, insists there is no-one more deserving of the prize than the 28-year-old attacking star.
"Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or," he told teinteresa.es. "And I think this year he is going to get it.
"What Ronaldo is doing, in getting goals so regularly, should be rewarded. I think he’s going to win."
Roberto Carlos went on to lavish praise on Ronaldo's new team-mate Gareth Bale and backed the Welshman to become a global star at Santiago Bernabeu."Bale is one of the best in the world. He proved that in England and has already started doing some great things at Real Madrid," said the Brazilian.
"I'm sure he's going to be one of the best. He's also young and has room for even more improvement."Finally, the Sivasspor boss believes Carlo Ancelotti's side will reclaim the Liga title from Barcelona this season if they continue to build on their recent strong form.
"If Madrid play to their best, which they are beginning to do, then I think they will win the League," he added.
"They have a good squad with new, young players, and others with more experience. I think the project looks great."
Meulensteen: Manchester United experience will aid Fulham
New Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen is confident his experience at Manchester United will help improve the struggling club's fortunes.
The 49-year-old spent nearly 12 years at Old Trafford, over two seperate spells, and saw United win three Premier League titles and one Champions League while first-team coach.
Fulham, meanwhile, can boast just 10 points from their opening 11 top-flight games as they slipped to 18th in the table - but Meulensteen feels he can help Martin Jol in the same way he aided Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I have been in England now for 12 years and worked in every department at Manchester United, and the last five years as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, so I know the Premier League well," he told Sky Sports News.
"It is obviously different being with Manchester United, we had different ambitions which were quite clear, but hopefully my experience and expertise will help Fulham climb up the table.
"It will work very similar to how I worked with Sir Alex Ferguson. Martin is obviously a very, very experienced manager in the game.
"I think it comes to a time in his life - as a manager as well - when he has got experience and he wants to step back a little bit and give the groundwork over to somebody like myself. I think we can perfectly work well together.
"People must not forget that Fulham have played a lot of strong teams already. They've played Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United so they have had a tough run.
"I think the key is now making sure that hopefully I can bring a new sort of energy to the whole place because they have got good enough footballers. Fulham is a football team, that's what they are good at.
"They just need to make sure they do the basics right, take responsibility, be disciplined and work hard and then the results will come."
Meulensteen's arrival at Craven Cottage sees him reunited with for United striker Dimitar Berbatov, and he is hoping to get the Bulgarian firing on all cylinders once more after scoring just once this term.
He added: "It is without doubt the talent Dimitar brings to the table and also it is very clear sometimes the frustration that goes with it.
"But I think that what you get with that sort of player, they are geniuses in some ways and I always find it a challenge to make sure that we can serve those players in the right way that they can bring out the best in themselves and serve the best purpose for the team."
New Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen is confident his experience at Manchester United will help improve the struggling club's fortunes.
The 49-year-old spent nearly 12 years at Old Trafford, over two seperate spells, and saw United win three Premier League titles and one Champions League while first-team coach.
Fulham, meanwhile, can boast just 10 points from their opening 11 top-flight games as they slipped to 18th in the table - but Meulensteen feels he can help Martin Jol in the same way he aided Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I have been in England now for 12 years and worked in every department at Manchester United, and the last five years as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, so I know the Premier League well," he told Sky Sports News.
"It is obviously different being with Manchester United, we had different ambitions which were quite clear, but hopefully my experience and expertise will help Fulham climb up the table.
"It will work very similar to how I worked with Sir Alex Ferguson. Martin is obviously a very, very experienced manager in the game.
"I think it comes to a time in his life - as a manager as well - when he has got experience and he wants to step back a little bit and give the groundwork over to somebody like myself. I think we can perfectly work well together.
"People must not forget that Fulham have played a lot of strong teams already. They've played Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United so they have had a tough run.
"I think the key is now making sure that hopefully I can bring a new sort of energy to the whole place because they have got good enough footballers. Fulham is a football team, that's what they are good at.
"They just need to make sure they do the basics right, take responsibility, be disciplined and work hard and then the results will come."
Meulensteen's arrival at Craven Cottage sees him reunited with for United striker Dimitar Berbatov, and he is hoping to get the Bulgarian firing on all cylinders once more after scoring just once this term.
He added: "It is without doubt the talent Dimitar brings to the table and also it is very clear sometimes the frustration that goes with it.
"But I think that what you get with that sort of player, they are geniuses in some ways and I always find it a challenge to make sure that we can serve those players in the right way that they can bring out the best in themselves and serve the best purpose for the team."
Willian: Chelsea stars hugged me after Brazil call-up
Willian has revealed how his Chelsea team-mates celebrated with him after he was called up to the Brazil squad for friendlies against Chile and Honduras this month.
The 25-year old has only two caps to his name so far, which came against Egypt and Gabon in 2011, and was overlooked for selection during his time with the Ukraine champions.
However, Willian has earned a spot in Luiz Felipe Scolari's latest squad following some good form for Chelsea, and the Blues' summer signing has told how compatriots Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires celebrated the news and helped him prepare for the experience.
"I was always with expectation, hopeful, waiting for an opportunity," he told UOL. "Thank God it happened this time, I'm very happy.
"They became very happy when I was called up, they came over, hugged me, told me that this was a happy moment and that I deserved it.
"We had never really talked much about the national team, we only did after I was called up. Then I started asking what it is like, what Scolari is like, they said a lot of good things about him and about the environment there. They gave me good tips for when I arrive there."
Willian has revealed how his Chelsea team-mates celebrated with him after he was called up to the Brazil squad for friendlies against Chile and Honduras this month.
The 25-year old has only two caps to his name so far, which came against Egypt and Gabon in 2011, and was overlooked for selection during his time with the Ukraine champions.
However, Willian has earned a spot in Luiz Felipe Scolari's latest squad following some good form for Chelsea, and the Blues' summer signing has told how compatriots Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires celebrated the news and helped him prepare for the experience.
"I was always with expectation, hopeful, waiting for an opportunity," he told UOL. "Thank God it happened this time, I'm very happy.
"They became very happy when I was called up, they came over, hugged me, told me that this was a happy moment and that I deserved it.
"We had never really talked much about the national team, we only did after I was called up. Then I started asking what it is like, what Scolari is like, they said a lot of good things about him and about the environment there. They gave me good tips for when I arrive there."
Messi's brother pokes fun at Ronaldo ahead of last day of Ballon d'Or voting
The brother of Barcelona's Lionel Messi has poked fun at Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter ahead of the final day of Ballon d'Or voting on Friday.
Matias Messi caused controversy on the social networking site as he posted a picture of the world's two finest footballers alongside images of the team and individual trophies each has claimed between 2009 and 2013.
"Hello everyone, I leave you with a little photo. I hope you like it. I love it!!!" the Argentine's sibling wrote (in Spanish) above the picture, which said (in Portuguese) "Messi's titles at Barca (2009-2013)" and "CR7's titles at Real (2009-2013)", with a selection for "individual prizes" underneath.
The comparison clearly favours Messi, who has won three Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, two Club World Cups, two Copas del Rey and four Supercopas in that time, as well as four Ballons d'Or and several Golden Shoe awards. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is shown alongside his three trophies at Madrid (one Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Supercopa) and three individual awards claimed since 2009 (but not including his Ballon d'Or, which came in 2008).
Matias Messi later posted another photo of Leo with his four Ballons d'Or after receiving numerous angry messages from Ronaldo supporters.
Votes for the 2013 Fifa prize close on Friday, with both Messi and Ronaldo in the running for the prestigious prize along with Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.
The brother of Barcelona's Lionel Messi has poked fun at Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter ahead of the final day of Ballon d'Or voting on Friday.
Matias Messi caused controversy on the social networking site as he posted a picture of the world's two finest footballers alongside images of the team and individual trophies each has claimed between 2009 and 2013.
"Hello everyone, I leave you with a little photo. I hope you like it. I love it!!!" the Argentine's sibling wrote (in Spanish) above the picture, which said (in Portuguese) "Messi's titles at Barca (2009-2013)" and "CR7's titles at Real (2009-2013)", with a selection for "individual prizes" underneath.
The comparison clearly favours Messi, who has won three Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, two Club World Cups, two Copas del Rey and four Supercopas in that time, as well as four Ballons d'Or and several Golden Shoe awards. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is shown alongside his three trophies at Madrid (one Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Supercopa) and three individual awards claimed since 2009 (but not including his Ballon d'Or, which came in 2008).
Matias Messi later posted another photo of Leo with his four Ballons d'Or after receiving numerous angry messages from Ronaldo supporters.
Votes for the 2013 Fifa prize close on Friday, with both Messi and Ronaldo in the running for the prestigious prize along with Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.
Bartra: I feel at home with Madrid rivals & Barca team-mates
Marc Bartra says he feels at home alongside his Barcelona team-mates in the Spain squad - and is even pleased to be among rival Real Madrid players.
Bartra has stepped into first-team action at Camp Nou this season following injuries to Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique, making nine appearances in all competitions.
And after another of his Barca team-mates, Cesc Fabregas, withdrew from Vicente del Bosque's squad for the friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, Bartra was drafted in for the first time - much to his surprise and delight.
"It was a very nice surprise to be in my first call with the seniors," the 22-year-old centre-back said. "It's a dream for me.
"It is important to feel at home here, not only with the Barcelona players, but with league rivals."The most important thing is to serve the team and add to that we remain the best team in the world."
Spain's clash with Equatorial Guinea on November 16 is their first friendly since successful qualification for World Cup 2014.
Marc Bartra says he feels at home alongside his Barcelona team-mates in the Spain squad - and is even pleased to be among rival Real Madrid players.
Bartra has stepped into first-team action at Camp Nou this season following injuries to Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique, making nine appearances in all competitions.
And after another of his Barca team-mates, Cesc Fabregas, withdrew from Vicente del Bosque's squad for the friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, Bartra was drafted in for the first time - much to his surprise and delight.
"It was a very nice surprise to be in my first call with the seniors," the 22-year-old centre-back said. "It's a dream for me.
"It is important to feel at home here, not only with the Barcelona players, but with league rivals."The most important thing is to serve the team and add to that we remain the best team in the world."
Spain's clash with Equatorial Guinea on November 16 is their first friendly since successful qualification for World Cup 2014.
World Cup drug tests to be analysed in Switzerland
Fifa has confirmed that blood and urine samples collected at next summer's World Cup will be tested in Switzerland, not Brazil.
The laboratory in Rio de Janeiro lost its World Anti-Doping Association (Wada) accreditation, while another facility in the city which is being built in time for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will not be ready in time for the tournament.
This means that Fifa will have to fly the samples across the Atlantic Ocean to a laboratory in Europe.
"After thorough consideration and discussion with Wada and the Brazilian authorities, Fifa has decided to use the Wada accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, to analyse blood and urine samples on the occasion of the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil."
The tournament kicks off on June 12, with the final coming a month later. The draw for the group stage occurs in three weeks' time.
Fifa has confirmed that blood and urine samples collected at next summer's World Cup will be tested in Switzerland, not Brazil.
The laboratory in Rio de Janeiro lost its World Anti-Doping Association (Wada) accreditation, while another facility in the city which is being built in time for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will not be ready in time for the tournament.
This means that Fifa will have to fly the samples across the Atlantic Ocean to a laboratory in Europe.
"After thorough consideration and discussion with Wada and the Brazilian authorities, Fifa has decided to use the Wada accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, to analyse blood and urine samples on the occasion of the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil."
The tournament kicks off on June 12, with the final coming a month later. The draw for the group stage occurs in three weeks' time.
Ribery: I deserve to win Ballon d'Or
Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery says he deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or over fellow frontrunners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Frenchman has shone in 2013 as the Bavarians stormed to a Bundesliga title win, lifted the DFB-Pokal and became European champions, and have started the current campaign under new coach Pep Guardiola in terrific fashion too.
The France international will have a tough time topping Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo, but he is confident that his improvements over the past 12 months have earned him the accolade over the more favoured Liga duo.
"I try not to think about the Ballon d'Or," the 30-year-old told L'Equipe. "But my wife has already prepared the space above the fireplace in the living room.
"I do get a lot of belief from her and all of Bayern. I do not know if I will win, however I think I deserve it.
"Before I was a good player, now I think I'm the best."
Ribery is expected to feature in France's World Cup play-off qualifiers with Ukraine on the upcoming week, starting with the away leg on Friday.
Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery says he deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or over fellow frontrunners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Frenchman has shone in 2013 as the Bavarians stormed to a Bundesliga title win, lifted the DFB-Pokal and became European champions, and have started the current campaign under new coach Pep Guardiola in terrific fashion too.
The France international will have a tough time topping Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo, but he is confident that his improvements over the past 12 months have earned him the accolade over the more favoured Liga duo.
"I try not to think about the Ballon d'Or," the 30-year-old told L'Equipe. "But my wife has already prepared the space above the fireplace in the living room.
"I do get a lot of belief from her and all of Bayern. I do not know if I will win, however I think I deserve it.
"Before I was a good player, now I think I'm the best."
Ribery is expected to feature in France's World Cup play-off qualifiers with Ukraine on the upcoming week, starting with the away leg on Friday.
Schweinsteiger set for early return
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could return from injury sooner than expected.
The 29-year-old went under the knife on Wednesday in order to try to rectify an ankle problem that also required surgery during the summer and a number of reports initially suggested that the Germany international was facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Hoeness has stressed that the operation has been successful, meaning Schweinsteiger could make his comeback in the not too distant future.
"Bastian has texted Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. His surgery has gone very well," he said at Bayern's annual general meeting.
"We're very optimistic that his injury lay-off won't be as long as we initially feared. It's looking a lot better than we originally thought."
Schweinsteiger's last appearance for Bayern came in the Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen on November 5.
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could return from injury sooner than expected.
The 29-year-old went under the knife on Wednesday in order to try to rectify an ankle problem that also required surgery during the summer and a number of reports initially suggested that the Germany international was facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Hoeness has stressed that the operation has been successful, meaning Schweinsteiger could make his comeback in the not too distant future.
"Bastian has texted Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. His surgery has gone very well," he said at Bayern's annual general meeting.
"We're very optimistic that his injury lay-off won't be as long as we initially feared. It's looking a lot better than we originally thought."
Schweinsteiger's last appearance for Bayern came in the Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen on November 5.
Pepe: Cristiano Ronaldo treated unfairly in the Ballon d'Or
Pepe feels his Portugal and Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has been treated unfairly in relation to the Fifa Ballon d'Or.
The 28-year-old attacker was awarded the trophy in 2008, while he also made the podium in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2012.
However, Pepe believes his compatriot has not been given enough recognition and suggested that Fifa president Sepp Blatter's recent revelation that he favours Lionel Messi over Ronaldo was telling in that regard.
"We know that, even just for the figures Cristiano has racked up, it’s not normal that he’s only won the Ballon d’Or once after being to the gala seven or eight times," the defender told AS.
"It just shows that a lot of strange things happen in football. It’s not fair what has happened to Cristiano.
"I hope he wins the Ballon d’Or. Blatter’s comments have been a real eye-opener for a lot of people.
"What Cristiano does is beyond compare. He has an unbelievable record and he’s the best player on the planet. As I say, you cannot compare him to anyone right now."
Ronaldo has been in sublime form this season, netting 24 goals in 17 appearances for Real Madrid.
Pepe feels his Portugal and Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has been treated unfairly in relation to the Fifa Ballon d'Or.
The 28-year-old attacker was awarded the trophy in 2008, while he also made the podium in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2012.
However, Pepe believes his compatriot has not been given enough recognition and suggested that Fifa president Sepp Blatter's recent revelation that he favours Lionel Messi over Ronaldo was telling in that regard.
"We know that, even just for the figures Cristiano has racked up, it’s not normal that he’s only won the Ballon d’Or once after being to the gala seven or eight times," the defender told AS.
"It just shows that a lot of strange things happen in football. It’s not fair what has happened to Cristiano.
"I hope he wins the Ballon d’Or. Blatter’s comments have been a real eye-opener for a lot of people.
"What Cristiano does is beyond compare. He has an unbelievable record and he’s the best player on the planet. As I say, you cannot compare him to anyone right now."
Ronaldo has been in sublime form this season, netting 24 goals in 17 appearances for Real Madrid.
Llorente: I was ready to quit Juventus
Fernando Llorente has admitted that he was ready to throw in the towel at Juventus after experiencing a difficult start to life at the Serie A champions.
The Spain international, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao during the summer, struggled to live up to the high expectations in the opening months of the 2013-14 campaign and spent most of his time on the bench.
However, he then broke into the starting XI following injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella, so now he's pleased with how things have panned out.
"I could hardly train as my body simply couldn't keep up. My body was not used to working so much and I felt completely drained. I had a lot of doubts and was ready to throw in the towel," Llorente told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Also because there is a lot of competition for places. We are with five attackers and it's not easy to break into the team.
"But then [coach] Antonio Conte considered me again and that gave me a lot of energy. I was fortunate enough to get more playing time. Vucinic and Quagliarella's injuries gave me the chance to prove myself.
"I got more game time and started feeling better with each minute I got. I have found the right rhythm now."
Llorente has netted four goals in 12 appearances in all competition for Juventus so far this season.
Fernando Llorente has admitted that he was ready to throw in the towel at Juventus after experiencing a difficult start to life at the Serie A champions.
The Spain international, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao during the summer, struggled to live up to the high expectations in the opening months of the 2013-14 campaign and spent most of his time on the bench.
However, he then broke into the starting XI following injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella, so now he's pleased with how things have panned out.
"I could hardly train as my body simply couldn't keep up. My body was not used to working so much and I felt completely drained. I had a lot of doubts and was ready to throw in the towel," Llorente told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Also because there is a lot of competition for places. We are with five attackers and it's not easy to break into the team.
"But then [coach] Antonio Conte considered me again and that gave me a lot of energy. I was fortunate enough to get more playing time. Vucinic and Quagliarella's injuries gave me the chance to prove myself.
"I got more game time and started feeling better with each minute I got. I have found the right rhythm now."
Llorente has netted four goals in 12 appearances in all competition for Juventus so far this season.
Messi the first genius of the 21st century, says Valdano
Jorge Valdano has taken the time to praise Lionel Messi, describing the Barcelona star as "the first genius of the 21st century".
The 26-year-old Argentine - who is currently out of action with a hamstring tear - had been the subject of criticism in recent weeks as he struggled to hit his best form in La Liga, but Valdano insists that his compatriot has few equals in the history of the game.
"Messi seems like a very calm person to me. He was born to play football," the former Real Madrid director told RAC-1.
"There will only ever be a few players like him. He is the first genius of the 21st century in football.
"He has unprecedented precision and speed. He scores a lot of goal and is a real strategist when he plays slightly deeper."
Valdano then went on to discuss Messi's recent fitness issues and urged the Ballon d'Or holder to listen to his body and take the rest he needs, arguing that if he does so, he can continue playing at a high level for years to come.
"He has boundaries like any other human being. If you push your body, it's going to protest at some point and say it's been enough. He needs to relax," the ex-Argentina international argued.
"What happens in football is that people only talk about what's just happened. People are all of a sudden talking as if he's on the verge of his retirement, where in reality he is in the prime of his career."
Messi has netted 14 goals in 16 official appearances for Barcelona so far in 2013-14.
Jorge Valdano has taken the time to praise Lionel Messi, describing the Barcelona star as "the first genius of the 21st century".
The 26-year-old Argentine - who is currently out of action with a hamstring tear - had been the subject of criticism in recent weeks as he struggled to hit his best form in La Liga, but Valdano insists that his compatriot has few equals in the history of the game.
"Messi seems like a very calm person to me. He was born to play football," the former Real Madrid director told RAC-1.
"There will only ever be a few players like him. He is the first genius of the 21st century in football.
"He has unprecedented precision and speed. He scores a lot of goal and is a real strategist when he plays slightly deeper."
Valdano then went on to discuss Messi's recent fitness issues and urged the Ballon d'Or holder to listen to his body and take the rest he needs, arguing that if he does so, he can continue playing at a high level for years to come.
"He has boundaries like any other human being. If you push your body, it's going to protest at some point and say it's been enough. He needs to relax," the ex-Argentina international argued.
"What happens in football is that people only talk about what's just happened. People are all of a sudden talking as if he's on the verge of his retirement, where in reality he is in the prime of his career."
Messi has netted 14 goals in 16 official appearances for Barcelona so far in 2013-14.
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