Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola thinks that Franck Ribery is the undisputed favorite to win the Ballon d'Or in 2013 and stated that he deserved the award more than any other player this year.
"We have been talking about this topic for a long time now," said Guardiola, according to Goal.com. "Franck had an incredible season last year. His career is incredible. This year Franck is one of the reasons why we are where we are. Obviously lots of other players too but especially Franck. Naturally, he deserves to win the title [Ballon d'Or], this personal title, but the most important thing is he is happy with his performances last year and what he is doing now.
"Whether he loses or not is not gonna change his life, his career or our opinion about him," added Guardiola. "He and his team last year with Jupp [Heynckes] won everything and obviously he deserves it. But the other players are amazing too. Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or another player. But last season for him was, without a doubt, amazing."
Ribery was a major piece in the Bayern Munich side that won three trophies in 2012-13. He scored 10 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga and added one goal and two assists in the Champions League run. He has gotten off to a tremendous start in 2013-14 with six goals and seven assists and is on pace to finish with 17 goals and 20 assists by the end of the year.
Ribery was also a major part of France's qualification for the World Cup and contributed three goals and one assist in the last five qualifiers.
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