Pique has no doubt: 'Cristiano is favourite to win the Ballon d'Or'

Gerard Pique gave an interview in Japan, in which he confessed he expects Cristiano Ronaldo to claim his fifth Ballon d'Or after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season.

'Cristiano Ronaldo has won La Liga and the Champions League, which is why he is favourite. Messi is considered the best footballer ever and then there are other options. We will see', the Barcelona centre-back explained.

He also had words for Sergio Ramos. 'The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is very big. Ramos defends Madrid and I do the same with Barcelona and when we face each other we try to defend our colours. When we play for Spain we fight together', he assured.

He remembered his decision to leave the Spanish national team after the World Cup in Russia: 'I have won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain. We have made history. I will try to win the World Cup in Russia, but after that I will retire from the national team. That is my final decision', the defender confirmed.

Finally, he spoke about new Barcelona boss Valverde: 'Now Valverde will be the new manager and we hope things will not change much. I don't know Valverde personally. He worked very well at Athletic and he knows Barcelona because he played here. He was managed by Cruyff and that is one of the reasons why he is here'.