Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed that not playing in the World Cup has cost him the chance to win the Ballon d'or this year.
Sweden were unable to qualify for the tournament in the summer, and despite being named on the 23-man shortlist, Ibrahimovic believes that missing out on competing in Brazil means that he will not be named the world's best player by FIFA.
"I think I have just played the best season of my career," Ibrahimovic told PSG TV. "That's one of my objectives - to be better each year and always improve.
"I've been nominated, but it will be difficult because I didn't play in the World Cup. A lot of fantastic players shone at the World Cup, so they'll have a certain advantage but, as long as I do what I can do, that I achieve results and I play at a high level, I can aim to win this award.
"That's what I try to do anyway day after day, by working again and again."
Ibrahimovic is expected to return from a heel injury against Lorient on the weekend.
Callum Mulvihill
