Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa has revealed that he still harbours an ambition to one day win the Ballon d'Or.

The Frenchman has scored in his last two games for the Magpies, and his manager Alan Pardew feels that his player is currently "on fire".

The former Marseille has admitted that he still dreams of winning the prestigious European award.

"I know some will still take me for a fool, but I still dream for example of [winning] the Ballon d'Or," Ben Arfa told France Football.

"I am convinced that this is still possible. It is forbidden to dream? I [have] disappointed a lot of people over the past years, I even annoyed a lot too, no doubt, but these people were right.

"I was not very professional. I think I gradually changed as I grew up."

Barcelona's Lionel Messi is the current holder of the award.

Written by
Paul Gorst