Pirlo keeps eye on 'Golden Ball'

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo is hoping the recognition he received for his outstanding performance in the 2-1 win against SL Benfica will be reflected more officially in two months' time. "I'd love to win the Ballon d'Or," he admitted.

Unheralded work
Many feel the good work that Pirlo does for Milan is overshadowed by the efforts of his more celebrated team-mates. However, after months of consistent performances, there was to be no ignoring the gifted playmaker on this occasion as he put in a match-winning display against Benfica, scoring the opening goal, setting up the second and creating numerous other chances. Afterwards, Pirlo was happy to be considered as a potential European Footballer of the Year.

Unusual free-kick
"I'd love to win the Ballon d'Or," he said. "It's nice to be considered but you have to keep proving yourself consistently to win it. Hopefully, I'll still be in the running at the end. The important thing is to keep playing well. The role I play in front of the back four brings out the best in me." Set-pieces also bring the best out of the 28-year-old, who fooled goalkeeper Quim with a ninth-minute free-kick from 20 metres. "It was an unusual one because the goalkeeper was expecting a cross," he added. "I was going to cross it but at the last minute I decided to go for goal."

'Favourite competition'
Pirlo was instrumental in a vintage Milan performance which was only marred for the hosts by missed chances and an added-time goal by Nuno Gomes. The Rossoneri, though, are back in the swing of the competition they won in May by the same scoreline. "We seem to approach the Champions League differently to the league," continued Pirlo. "Perhaps it's because it's our favourite competition so we go up a gear."

Team spirit
Current UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, Kaká was also delighted with the team performance. "Individual prizes come as a result of good performances but here we are all about the team and tonight we showed we are a great Milan team," he said. "We are a team both on and off the field and it is that team spirit that won us the Champions League last season."

New goal
He also paid tribute to the Man of the Match, saying: "I don't know who the fight for the Ballon d'Or will be with but Pirlo is certainly playing well. He is helping the side out enormously and showed that tonight with a goal and an assist. He is crucial for us." The Brazilian added that Milan also remain hungry to reclaim Europe's most-coveted club prize: "This year our motivation is to win the trophy in successive seasons. I'm not sure how many sides have managed to do that but it isn't many. That's our incentive this year: to retain the Champions League."