Manuel Neuer takes a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo, says he is not an underwear model

Cristiano Ronaldo (C) reacts after winning the UEFA European Best Player of the Year award, next to Bayern Munich's German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) and winger Arjen Robben (R)

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer feels that he has the chance to win the Ballon d’Or this year while taking a dig at Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

In an interview with German sports magazine Kicker, the 28-year-old goalkeeper was quoted by Marca saying, "I'm a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas' first goalkeeper. I'm not some guy who poses in his underpants.”

"I don't like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be," he added.

Neuer is one of the front runners to win the Ballon d’Or this season, having being part of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga and Germany’s FIFA World Cup winning sides. However, with a total of 65 goals scored in the 2013/14 calendar, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the favourite to bag the prestigious award.

"After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists… Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back", he continued.

Who do you think will win the Ballon d’Or this year? Cast your vote.