"Ronaldo will probably still win the Ballòn d'Òr for being guapo!"

Hristo Stoichkov enjoys a bit of controversy, and rarely misses a chance to needle the 'eternal enemy' Real Madrid and its totemic figure Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on Spanish Radio channel Cadena Cope, the ex-Barcelona player discussed contenders for this year's Ballò d'Òr, praising Griezmann and Gareth Bale: "Griezmann is blowing everyone away and playing some spectacular football, but they'll probably give it to Cristiano Ronaldo again for being guapo!" 

He did show some love for the Welsh madridista saying Bale will be among the candidates for the coveted prize "if Wales make the final".

The Bulgarian also played down polemics over the Del Bosque Iker Casillas rift, saying it was "normal" and there was "no need for the drama".

Stoichkov was in topical mood, categorical on the issue of Leo Messi's retirement: "Messi will play again for Argentina".