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What's the story?
Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery has reiterated his disappointment at losing the 2013 Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, despite having enjoyed a scintillating individual season at the time.
In case you didn't know
Ribery enjoyed the best season of his career in 2013, netting 22 goals and providing 18 assists in all competitions. His exploits helped Bayern Munich complete a spectacular treble, winning the Bundesliga, the UEFA Champions League, and the DFB Pokal Cup.
The winger was presented with the UEFA Player of the Year award but was snubbed for the coveted Ballon d'Or, losing out to Cristiano Ronaldo, who won no titles with Real Madrid that year but enjoyed a phenomenal individual season with 66 goals in 56 games.
Ribery has since been incredibly vocal about his controversial snub and has condemned it as a grave injustice. He once said,
"I saw myself as the Ballon d'Or. It's the truth. Even today, I think I deserved it. I still haven't digested it. I did everything to have it."
"I ticked all the boxes. I won all I could win with Bayern. I couldn't do better! I did a very, very, very big personal year."
"I asked the question 10,000 times: why not me? The more I thought, the more I was disgusted. All was not clear."
The heart of the matter
In an interview with L'Equipe, Ribery has once again vocalised his discontentment with the snub saying,
"More than a disappointment. It's the biggest injustice of my career. Not only for me, for many people."
"I was on top and I finished 3rd. I had nothing to envy Ronaldo or Messi that year. I say it in all humility because it is the truth."
What's next?
Ribery recently announced his decision to leave Bayern Munich after twelve years and has been linked with a shock move to Sheffield United. The veteran winger is, however, hoping to join a bigger club, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reported to be interested in his services.
