Lewandowski should file a petition, it's cruel to take Ballon d'Or away: Rio Ferdinand

Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowski is enjoying one of his best individual seasons in his professional career. Poland international is leading goalscorer across Europe and was touted as one of favourites to clinch Ballon d'Or award for his scintillating performances this season. However, decision by France Football to cancel award for this year hasn't gone down particularly well with Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand. 

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Rio Ferdinand urges Lewandoski to launch petition for Ballon d'Or 

Man United legend Ferdinand has claimed that Lewandowski should file a petition to force France Football to reverse its decision of cancelling Ballon d'Or this season. Ballon d'Or is awarded by France Football every year in December to best player throughout season. National team captains, manrs and a select few journalists vote for winner. 

Currently, Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi leads charts with six Ballon d'Ors to his credit. He is followed by Juventus ace Cristia Ronaldo, who has bagged prestigious award five times in his career. However, this time around, Lewandowski was touted as favourite to clinch award having already netted 53 goals across all competitions in current campaign.

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Lewandowski deserves Ballon d'Or: Rio Ferdinand 

Speaking to TEAMTalk, Ferdinand claimed that if it were him in place of Lewandowski, he would immediately launch a campaign to reinstate award. He asserted that apart from Luka Modric, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated award for 11 years but Lewandowski was standout performer this season. Ferdinand described France Football's decision to cancel Ballon d'Or this year as 'cruel'.

Ferdinand insisted that Lewandowski deserves Ballon d'Or. He even went to extent of advising authorities to reinstate award ceremony if Poland international guides Bayern Munich to Champions League glory. Bavarians defeated Chelsea to book a date with Barcelona in quarter-final of Champions League. Ferdinand called  decision a disgrace, insisting that Ballon d'Or is a recognition for best performer of year. 

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Barcelona vs Bayern to be played on Friday 

Bavarian giants will go up against Barcelona on Friday (Saturday IST). Lewandowski has already bagged 13 goals and four assists in competition and will look to continue his scintillating run of form in front of goal when he comes up against Marc Andre ter Stegen at Estadio da Luz. 

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Im courtesy: Ferdinand, Champions League Twitter