Franck Ribery has looked to remind those voting in the FIFA Ballon d’Or that the entire year has to be under consideration.
The Frenchman is seen as one of the front-runners for the 2013 edition of the award, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, voters allowed to change their mind in an extended voting period, the Bayern Munich man has looked to deflect growing focus on Ronaldo’s current run of form, which comes with both Messi and himself struggling for full fitness.
“Everyone knows that Cristiano is a great striker,” conceded Ribery to today’s edition of L’Equipe.
“Certainly he also deserves the Ballon d’Or, but the vote is for the whole season and there are several arguments.
“My injury? I think I can return in 10 to 14 days, after rest.”