Luis Suarez not angry over Ballon d'Or omission

Posted Friday, December 04, 2015 by ESPN

Barcelona attacker Luis Suarez said he is not upset about not making the three-man shortlist for the 2015 Ballon d'Or.

FIFA announced last week that Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar would be joined by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as the nominees for the prize to be given out at a gala in Zurich on Jan 11.

"I am not angry about not being among the top three," Suarez said on Thursday during a promotional event. "I am aware of my potential. I am very happy to be able to help the team and to have two teammates among the finalists. I think Messi is first and Neymar second, without a doubt.

Messi, who picked up the player of the year and attacker of the year prizes at the La Liga 2014-15 awards in Barcelona last week, told reporters that Suarez deserved to join him and Neymar on the Ballon d'Or shortlist -- but added Ronaldo also merited being among the top three.

"I am happy to be once more among the three best, and to go to another gala," Messi said. "Happy to be with Neymar. Luis Suarez also deserved to be among the three best, but that is to take nothing away from Cristiano Ronaldo, who also deserved it."

Suarez, meanwhile, reiterated his happiness at the Catalan club. During Messi's near three-month absence due to injury, Suarez and Neymar have led the club to a comfortable lead at the top of La Liga table.

"You could not get me to leave Barcelona over money. I suffered a lot to get here and you won' t get me to leave, not for triple or quadruple the money. I can't guarantee that I will retire here, but I want to be here for many more years.

"We are happy with the numbers but there are always things that can be done to improve. We are realistic and we know that in football, you never know what will happen.