Sporting: "Ballon d'Or? Why not? I'd sign for it now," says Altimira

Sergi Altimira arrived at Sporting this summer, stepping into the void left by captain Morten Hjulmand, who departed for Atlético Madrid. And the Spanish midfielder is already making his mark in Sporting's midfield.

"Every team has important players, and then others arrive to try and replace them. I know where I am and what is expected of me," the 24-year-old Spaniard told Radio Marca in an interview for the 'Marcador Internacional' program, set to air on Saturday, from which some excerpts have already been released.

"I had to work hard; I played in the 2nd division B and gradually moved up. Then, at Betis, I felt I needed to leave to continue my development," he reflected on his career path.

As a role model, he points to compatriot Rodri. "He often goes unnoticed but does incredible work. His tactical intelligence is brutal," said the Sporting player, who would readily sign up if, one day, he were to return to Spain with... the Ballon d'Or, just like the new Barcelona reinforcement: "Why not? I'd sign for a Ballon d'Or right now."