I hope Ronaldo wins the Fifa World Player award: Salgado

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Champions League and the Euro with Portugal (Reuters)

Michel Salgado has not only defended the Real Madrid colours during his highly successful career, he has also been a Real fan since he was a boy. 
So it was apparent that he would pick Cristiano Ronaldo when we asked him about his choice for the Fifa World Player of the Year award.
But the former Spain defender saw a challenge from Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid. 
"Some people think it's again going to be between (Lionel) Messi and Ronaldo. But I think Antoine Griezmann will also have something to say," Salgado told Khaleej Times on Sunday.
"Ronaldo won the Champions League and the Euro and Messi won the La Liga. Griezmann didn't win anything, but he was unbelievable, you know. The way he performed in the Euro where he reached the final with France and helped Atletico Madrid reach the Champions League final was outstanding. 
"He is a good candidate as well. But I am Real Madrid player and a Real Madrid fan. So hopefully it will be Ronaldo," Salgado smiled.
Salgado, who won two Champions League titles and four La Liga titles with Real, also praised Diego Simeone for making Atletico a world class team. 
"What Leicester City did in Premier League was historic. It's more difficult in Spain for teams to try to win the La Liga because Real and Barca are simply too big. Atletico Madrid is the only one challenging them. They are doing a fantastic job," Salgado said.
"It's unbelievable what Simeone has done. He has been able to do something exceptional, something that is very difficult to remember in their club history. Of course, they won the double in 1996. 
"But now they have a proper style of play, it's their style. Defensively and tactically they are so strong, you know. It's very difficult to beat them. That's why they have been able to challenge Real and Barca.
"Also reaching two Champions League finals in three years is not easy for any club and winning one league is outstanding. So the credit goes to Simeone. Now they have to build on for the future."
There have been doubts over the future of Paul Pogba who has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League since his 89-million pound move from Juventus to Manchester United. 
"I was in the Premier League. So I know how difficult it is to adapt. It's the most difficult league to get used to because of the pace of the game and because of the culture," said Salgado who played 66 league matches for Blackburn Rovers in England. 
"Pogba will need time to adapt to the league. He is an exceptional player. He showed that in Juventus. He will show his class in the Premier League too. I think it's just a matter of time. 
"Of course, there is so much pressure. He will need support from the club and the fans and especially from the manager (Jose Mourinho)."
rituraj@khaleejtimes