Luis Suarez downplays Ballon d'Or prospects

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has downplayed his chances of being awarded the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or, insisting it’s not his objective.

The Uruguayan, who has netted 38 goals in 60 matches for Barcelona since joining from Liverpool last year, is one of the 23 nominees for this year’s World player of the Year accolade, yet insists he is not overly pre-occupied with achieving the feat.
"I never imagined being among the 23 finalists, but I am not thinking about being one of the three finalists. It has never been my objective," he told reporters.
"I was very surprised when I was named one of three nominees for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award [won by Lionel Messi].
"But winning the Ballon d'Or is not something that is occupying me."
The 28-year-old forms a formidable attacking trio at club level alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, and has nothing but praise for his fellow attackers.
"Messi is on another level because of everything he has achieved and is still doing," he said.
"Neymar is right behind him at the moment. I really enjoy playing alongside him.
"Time will tell whether we are one of the best attacks in the history of the game, but it is clear that we are getting along well.
"I am very happy when Neymar scores a hat-trick and he is happy when I score. But we could not do it without the support of the midfield and the rest of the team."
Suarez will hope to be on target in Saturday’s highly-anticipated El Clasico clash with fierce rivals Real Madrid.