image source: worldsoccer.com
The German goalkeeper believes that he has a chance of winning the Ballon d'Or this year, despite not cultivating a 'glamorous' image the way Cristiano Ronaldo does.
"I'm a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas' first goalkeeper. I'm not some guy who poses in his underpants", he remarked in an interview with the sports magazine Kicker when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo and the weight that his image has in the voting for the Ballon d'Or.
The Bayern goalkeeper and Brazil 2014 world champion explained that he prefers to limit the "show" to what happens on the pitch. "I don't like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be."
Considered one of the greatest keepers in the world and a serious contender to win the award for the best player of the year, Neuer acknowledged that his position provides him with less visibility and makes it tougher for him to win it.
"After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists… Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back", he lamented.
Neuer played down the troubles that Germany have being having since winning the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0, and believes that 2014 will be remembered for one thing above all others: "Football history, something unforgettable."
- MARCA.com