Villarreal midfielder Robert Pires admits he's a big fan of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. "I do not think he is a diver and likes to ridicule his marker, he is just a spectacular player that provokes his opponent a lot, and when I say provokes I mean it in a positive way," Pires told setantasports.com.

"Besides the defenders themselves do not offer him any gifts; they go very strong on him, so I admire him for what he manages to achieve under pressure.

"He was amazing last season, no-one matched his level and for that reason he should be voted Ballon d'Or, indeed.

"He is an amazing individual talent, but not a selfish one, as what he does is massive for his team."