The former AC Milan striker hopes the Germany goalkeeper wins the prize, while revealing his fondest memories of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti
Andriy Shevchenko believes Manuel Neuer should win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo, who won the prize last year, is the favourite to do so again on January 12, but there has been growing support for the Bayern Munich goalkeeper to be handed the individual award.
Shevchenko won the Ballon d’Or in 2004 after lifting the Champions League with AC Milan and has thrown his backing behind Neuer on the back of his World Cup win with Germany.
“Neuer is fantastic because he is more than just a traditional goalkeeper,” he said to Fifa’s official website.
“I still think Cristiano and Messi are the favourites. Ronaldo won the Champions League and was the star. All three have the potential to be big winners, but I would choose Neuer because I think he did something special in the World Cup and also during his season with Bayern. He was fantastic throughout the year.”
The former Ukraine striker then spoke about Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and recalled his fondest memories of the Italian from their time together at San Siro.
“My best memory is winning the Champions League with him. The team had so much courage and had a perfect relationship with the coach. Carlo was a great coach and a great friend of the players.”