Evra: Golden Ball Will Make Ronaldo A Target
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Winning the Ballon d'Or may bring more than just a pat on the back for the Portuguese forward, warns his United team-mate.
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra fears that Cristiano Ronaldo will be targeted by opponents should he claim the Ballon d'Or next month.
The Portugal captain is among the front-runners to claim the prize, with the likes of Leo Messi and Xavi also vying for Europe's top individual honour.
However, Ronaldo's team-mate is worried about the health of his colleague as more and more opponents try to deliberately harm the 23-year-old forward.
Ronaldo came in for some heavy treatment during the Champions League clash with Villarreal in midweek and left the pitch covered in cuts and bruises.
Patrice Evra fears that the treatment could become worse as a result of Ronaldo claiming the Golden Ball award.
He warned his fleet-footed colleague to be set for the challenge that comes with the accolade.
Evra told the press: "Ronny expects to win the Golden Ball but I have told him that when people see him in the pictures with the golden ball he will have a lot of enemies!
"This is the life, when you are the best player everybody tries to beat you.
"He received a lot of bad tackles against Villarreal and the fans tried to upset and goad him as well. It is normal. He has to be ready for that."