Antonio Cassano has revealed that Chelsea midfielder Jorginho agreed with his opinion that it would be a “scandal” if he won the Ballon d’Or award ahead of PSG star Lionel Messi.
Jorginho has been widely tipped to win the prize after playing a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win as well as Chelsea’s Champions League victory.
But the former Italy striker has claimed the midfielder agrees that the award should go to Messi.
“Remember when I said any journalist who voted for Jorginho as Ballon d’Or should have his licence taken away?” Cassano asked Christian Vieri on his Twitch channel.
“Well, I was in Formentera with my family and just as I sat down, I felt a touch. ‘Antonio, you’re great!’ the voice says. I turn around to ask who he was, he took off his glasses and mask, and it was Jorginho!
“I told him, Jorgi, can you believe the scandal if they should give you the Ballon d’Or and not to Messi? He replied that he absolutely agreed with me, Messi should always win it.
“Now I admire Jorginho even more. We were talking for a good 90 minutes. He is an exceptional guy, very intelligent, humble and polite.”
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Though Cassano claims Jorginho conceded he doesn’t deserve the prize, the Chelsea player himself said last month he could be win the award if voters prioritise trophies.
“We all have dreams,” Jorginho told SporTV. “But, I’ll be honest, it depends on the criteria that the decision is based on. If we’re talking about talent then I know I’m not the best in the world. But if it’s going on titles, then nobody has won more than I have this season.
“How could I compare myself to Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo? They’ve got completely different characteristics to me. But, I repeat, it depends on the criteria.”
After the Ballon d’Or was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the award will handed out in December of this year 2021.
Aside from Jorginho and Messi, other top candidates for the award include Lewandowski, N’Golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Mbappe.
