Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the favourites to win the personal gongs next month after a sensational season with Manchester United last time out, but he recognised that other players were also in the running.
In an interview with Sao Paulo-based paper O Estado, Ronaldo stated that he wants to win the awards but also to go on and try and have an even better campaign this time around.
"I am the first, the second and the third best player in the world. But there are other good candidates like Kaká, Messi and Fernando Torres," he said.
"I think I did everything that is necessary to win and I want to continue doing even more.
"My aim is to win everything that is front of me."
Pelé has heaped praise on Ronaldo too ahead of Portugal's international friendly with Brazil and the United playmaker is flattered by the words of the legendary star.
"That means a lot to me. He was a great player and it is a special feeling to earn the praise of someone like Pelé," he continued.
Looking ahead to the game in Brasilia on Wednesday, Ronaldo stated that he feels A Seleção still have the greatest players and that things will come good again for them.
"They have, without doubt, the best player in the world and an excellent team, despite the negative results that they have had in some recent games," he added.
These comments are unlikely to win Ronaldo too many admirers with those who say that he is too quick to blow his own trumpet.
uh oh...