Cristiano Ronaldo believes Euro 2012 success with Portugal could help him pip Lionel Messi to be crowned as the world's best player.
Star winger believes Portugal can shock Holland and Germany
Cristiano Ronaldo believes Euro 2012 success with Portugal could help him pip Lionel Messi to be crowned as the world's best player.
The Real Madrid star helped the Bernabeu giants end Barcelona's three-year stranglehold on the Primera Liga with a stunning 46 goals in just 38 league matches.
He scored 62 times in all competitions and is likely to be battling Barcelona's Messi, the reigning two-time winner, for the FIFA Ballon d'Or again later this year.
Real boss Jose Mourinho reckons the ex-Manchester United forward already deserves the gong on the back of his domestic form.
But Ronaldo, 27, has targeted international glory in Poland and Ukraine to boost his chances of personal success.
Fantastic season
"I'm not the one who judges who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, but I think I've had a fantastic season," said Ronaldo.
"I've won the most difficult league in the world. I agree with what Mourinho said, but what I want now is to have a great European Championships. That could help me in the Ballon d'Or, although honestly it's not a matter that concerns me much.
"I'm happy with the season I've had, but I'm already thinking of helping my country now."
Portugal have been drawn alongside two of the pre-tournament favourites, the Netherlands and Germany, in a tough-looking Group B which also features 1992 champions Denmark.
But Ronaldo believes his country can benefit from the lower levels of expectations on them.
Dream
"Next season my objective will be to win the Champions League but now I am focused on the Euros," he added.
"Spain, Germany and Holland are the favourites but Portugal are able to produce a surprise.
"I dream of winning any title with Portugal and this year is possible.
"Our group is hard and complicated but Holland and Germany are not invincible.
"I respect their squads but do not fear them. Our advantage is we will suffer less pressure in these matches. They are the big favourites."
