Ronaldo wins world players' award
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Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FifPro World Footballer of the Year, beating 54 other top players on the shortlist.
The honour, voted for by professional footballers from all over the world, was widely expected after Ronaldo scored 42 goals for United last season.
"To be recognised by my fellow players is amazing," said the 23-year-old.
"I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support."
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and Chelsea and England captain John Terry also made the team, along with AC Milan midfielder Kaka and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo, who was the driving force behind United's Premier League and Champions League double last season, is also a strong contender to win the Fifa World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d'Or.
FifPro is the worldwide representative organisation for professional football players, with more than 57,500 members.
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He deserves it. One of the most consistent and technically gifted player in the world. Now its time for Rooney to raise his game. Whether he moves to Madrid or not, he is a United Legend.
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expected.
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Originally posted by zocoss:
Ronaldo, who was the driving force behind United's Premier League and Champions League double last season, is also a strong contender to win the Fifa World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d'Or.
typo error. they included an extra "r" in this word
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Fergie sets Ron revised goal target
Sir Alex Ferguson has set Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo a revised target of 25 goals from his injury-hit season.
Ronaldo scooped what is expected to be the first of a series of individual honours when he was named FIFPro player of the year on Monday.
On the back of his 42 goals in United's double-winning season it was hardly an unexpected choice, and as the man who persuaded Ronaldo to remain at Manchester United it was fitting Ferguson should hand over the prize.
But the Red Devils chief prefers to look forward rather than back, and while he
accepts there is no way Ronaldo could reach last season's tally, feels it is perfectly possible for the 23-year-old to make another significant contribution.
"I still think he will beat 25," Ferguson said. "It is going to be difficult because he has had a stop-start beginning to the season.
"He had the operation on his ankle so he has missed a few games and he is just getting his rhythm back.
"The number of goals he scored last year was absolutely phenomenal. You cannot describe it any other way.
"But I hope he can be equally as good this year in terms of his contribution to the team."
Ferguson has seen Ronaldo's startling progress at close quarters since he signed the raw teenager from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
At the time, few had heard of Ronaldo, but the United players who had been so staggered at a pre-season performance in the Portuguese capital implored Ferguson to sign him.
It did not take long for the winger to make a far bigger audience sit up and take notice. His Premier League debut as a substitute against Bolton at Old Trafford was enough.
"We were struggling at the time but it ended up 4-0," Ferguson added.
"The first thing he did, after winning a free-kick, was stand next to a team-mate, Mikael Silvestre I think it was, and demand the ball.
"It was as if he wanted to immediately let everyone know, 'I am here'. That was him making his mark.
"At first we said that he wouldn't play every week. We originally intended to play him every third week. It turned out that he took part more or less all season.
"We just felt we had something special."
Ferguson highlights footwork and courage as Ronaldo's major qualities. He has also had to develop a fairly thick skin following the controversy with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup two years ago and last summer's transfer saga with Real Madrid.
"It's in the past now," said Ferguson. "It happened and you get on with life."
Nevertheless, Ronaldo is now scrutinised in a way most men of his age would find stifling.
Only last week his lack of a goal celebration against Celtic was analysed and cited as evidence he would prefer to be in Spain.
"I don't know if it bothers Cristiano but it doesn't bother me," said Ferguson.
"There is so much sensationalism today because of the pressure people are under to deliver headline stories. It is very difficult to get yourself annoyed about it."
Amid the frenzied atmosphere of the Premier League, it is hard to imagine anyone actually enjoying a game or performance.
Yet Ferguson feels that way about Ronaldo. As the tricks have slowly given way to effective ways of beating opponents, so the 23-year-old's talent has become more useful.
And, like most fans, Ferguson still gets a shudder of excitement when he sees the Portugal star take possession.
"I really enjoy watching him play," said Ferguson. "It is fantastic."
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congrats ronaldo, just don be too hao lian when you're good.