AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo has insisted that Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery should win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

The midfielder, whose Milan side are currently struggling in Serie A, said that Ribery deserves the award because his performances helped Bayern to win the treble last season.

"Ribery deserves the Ballon d'Or," Montolivo told the club's official website. "Ronaldo might deserve it too as he has been playing well, but Ribery has won the treble so he should win it."

Milan are currently 10th in Serie A without a win in four.