Ballon d'Or Real president spoke about award's future

On the same night as his star man won yet another award, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez could not help stirring the pot by fuelling transfer rumours linking Neymar with the reigning European champions.

Perez praised his biggest asset Cristiano Ronaldo on winning a fifth Ballon d'Or but also made the most of the opportunity to discuss those who may follow in his footsteps.

"Being in Madrid would make it easier to win the Ballon d'Or," he admitted when asked of Neymar.

"Real Madrid is a club which gives all you need as a big player, everyone knows that I already wanted to sign him at one point."

For now, though, he must settle for a player who is breaking goalscoring records for fun whilst winning trophies and awards every year.

"I think that Cristiano Ronaldo is the heir to Alfredo Di Stefano, it's an honour to count on a player as good as him," he said.

"He lives for football, he wants to be the best of all time and he does it not only with his talent but with his work, he's a role model."

Ronaldo has now won four Ballon d'Or awards at Real Madrid, in addition to his one from Manchester United.