Manchester United defender Patrice Evra fears that Cristiano
Ronaldo will be targeted by opponents should he claim the Ballon
d'Or next month.
The Portugal captain is among the front-runners to claim the prize,
with the likes of Leo Messi and Xavi also vying for Europe's top
individual honour.
However, Ronaldo's team-mate is worried about the health of his
colleague as more and more opponents try to deliberately harm the
23-year-old forward.
Ronaldo came in for some heavy treatment during the Champions
League clash with Villarreal in midweek and left the pitch covered
in cuts and bruises.
Patrice Evra fears that the treatment could become worse as a
result of Ronaldo claiming the Golden Ball award.
He warned his fleet-footed colleague to be set for the challenge
that comes with the accolade.
Evra told the press: "Ronny expects to win the Golden Ball but I
have told him that when people see him in the pictures with the
golden ball he will have a lot of enemies!
"This is the life, when you are the best player everybody tries to
beat you.
"He received a lot of bad tackles against Villarreal and the fans
tried to upset and goad him as well. It is normal. He has to be
ready for that."