Queens Park Rangers midfielder has dismissed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's claim to win the Ballon d'Or.
Barton was involved in an altercation with the Paris Saint-Germain star during his time on loan at Marseille last season, and although the QPR man said that he has no problem with Ibrahimovic, he claimed that his former opponent does not deserve to be crowned the world's best player.
"No, he does not deserve the Ballon d'Or. He is not the best player in the world," Barton told RMC.
"I have no problem with Zlatan. This is a great player and an interesting personality. He is a great goalscorer, his story is remarkable and football needs players like him."
Barton, who was critical of Barcelona star Neymar during England's friendly with Brazil earlier this year, also said that he is starting to warm to the Selecao forward following his impressive start for the Liga leaders.
He added: "I'm slowly changing my opinion about Neymar, but not completely. He has been compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is not at their level."
Rangers are currently third in the Championship.
Paul Gorst
