‘You [often] look at the top three and think, really?’
Thierry Henry has opened up on missing out on the 2003 edition of the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
Despite being considered as the favourite to win football’s biggest individual accolade, Pavel Nedved was awarded the prize following an incredible campaign with Juventus.
Many fans still felt that Henry should’ve won the Ballon d’Or that year after scoring 32 goals and creating 28 assists in the run up.
While appearing on CBS’ coverage of the Champions League, Micah Richards echoed the opinion of many Arsenal fans by questioning why Henry didn’t win the award.
“2003. You had 32 goals and 28 assists that season. Nedved, who won it, had 14 goals and 17 assists,” said the former Manchester City man.
Was Thierry Henry robbed of the Ballon d'Or in 2003? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/6RObwW8EQ6
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 25, 2023
Henry replied: “Look, you can’t debate opinions. When journalists are involved and have a vote, they vote for whoever they want.
“However you want to look at it, they vote for whoever they want. When you look at the vote in the history of [the Ballon d’Or], not only my year, you [often] look at the top three and think ‘Really?’
“You must have looked at some sometimes and thought, ‘Really?’ So it is what it is. You can’t debate opinions.”
Nedved once spoke about the Ballon d’Or win to The Guardian and admitted that he was surprised to be crowned the winner.
He said: “I did not even dream of winning such an award. I heard about the nominees and being among them, but I did not believe in my chances too much.
“For me, Thierry Henry is the best forward in the world now. If I had voted I would have voted for Thierry and the other players on the podium.”
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