Genoa striker M’Baye Niang has admitted his dream is to one day win the Ballon d’Or.
The 20-year-old has exploded into life since his loan move to the Grifone from AC Milan in January, bagging two goals and an assist in five matches.
“For me there was in immediate obligation to give my best for the Rossoblu,” the Frenchman told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“On my first day I found great team spirit.
“I am growing as a player, but there is still a long way until I get to where I want to be.
“I want to play for a great team and be on the field in the best competitions. My dream is to win the Ballon d’Or.
“When I met [Giam Piero] Gasperini there was an immediate rapport between us, so I knew good things would happen.”
Niang once famously pretended to be then teammate Bakaye Traore when caught by police for driving without a licence, though this is a mistake he admits he has learned from.
“I made mistakes when I was young, and I paid for them, but they made me grow up and now I am more mature,” Niang said.
“I know that the [French] national team coaches are monitoring my progress again, but my priority is my club.”
