Iniesta tips Ballon d´Or to stay in Barcelona

Andres Iniesta is hoping for a Barcelona victory when the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for 2011 is announced.

Iniesta’s Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez have been named on the three-man shortlist for the award along with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, with the winner to be announced at a special gala in Zurich on January 9.

And Iniesta, who finished second behind Messi for the award in 2010, made no apologies for favouring his club team-mates ahead of the profilic Portugal forward.

“The three that are there are the best three,” Iniesta said.

“But I have two colleagues and I will be happy if the winner is one of them.”

The 27-year-old Spain international was speaking at the Albacete Sports Gala, where he was honoured with the award for Sports Excellence, and he said he is looking forward to next year.

“2012 will be an exciting year. Spain have a big challenge at Euro 2012, and Barcelona have a season that will also be exciting.”

The Albacete native also said “it would have been nice” to see his hometown club visit Camp Nou this season, and wished them luck for the remainder of the campaign.

“I’ve never hidden my love for Albacete, the city and its people,” he said.

“The Copa del Rey clash they now have with Atletico Madrid is very important and exciting, but the league (Segunda Division B) is important above all else this season.”

Iniesta picked up a hamstring strain recently, but insisted he was not worried about the injury.

“I’m fine. I’m trying to enjoy the holidays with the family, turning off a bit. I am also thinking a bit about my leg, although it is not important and I hope to be fit again very soon.”

Barcelona restart their La Liga campaign against Espanyol on January 8.