Barcelona's Xavi: Real Madrid's Iker Casillas not voting for me in Ballon d'Or nominations is for 'political' reasons

The midfield maestro has stated his belief that his national team captain's decision not to vote for him for the final three was inspired by reasons off the pitch

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has voiced his opinion that Spain captain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas did not vote for the midfield maestro for the 2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or due to political reasons.

Casillas voted for Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Lionel Messi instead, in that order, and Xavi feels the shot-stopper's decision was inspired by non-football motives.

Nevertheless, the midfielder admitted he was pleased to be among the final three candidates to win the individual trophy, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

"I believe Iker's decision was a political one. There are 23 of us in the national side and it would have looked bad had he picked only one, "Xavi was quoted as saying by Sport.

"I'm very pleased and happy to be nominated. It gives me great pride. I'm not losing any sleep that I'll end my career without ever having won this award, despite being nominated in more than one occasion.

"I'm just proud to be there. It will always stay with me, and is something I'd never dreamed of as a child. Back then, my goal was to make my way in football, play for Barça, and play international football."

Xavi will meet Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening as Real Madrid host Barcelona in La Liga.