Crisitiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or
Ronaldo described the win as “One of the most beautiful days of my life.” Ronaldo fended off 2007 winner Kaka, as other competitors such as Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi. Out of 96 journalists interviewed by Frances Football Magazine, 77 voted Ronaldo as the #1 player, and every journalist voted him in the top 5. Ronaldo scored 42 goals and led United to Premier League and Champions League trophies. He obtained 446 points out of a possible 480; Messi obtained 2nd with 281 points, Torres fell in 3rd with 179 points. Ronaldo is the 3rd Portugese player to land the trophy with previous Portugese winners including Figo and Eusebio.The last EPL player to win the trophy was Michael Owen in 2001.He is the 4th United player to win the award with Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton, and George Best all having won during the 1960’s.
Ronaldo commented on his award:
“It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child. Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it. I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me. I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season. But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates. This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will wake and I will say to myself ‘I want to be even better’. I am only 23 years old and it is splendid, incredible,” he continued. There were other great names this year. I see that Lionel Messi finished second and Fernando Torres third, but also (fifth-placed) Xavi … all these people could have taken the trophy and I won it.”
Ferguson commended Ronaldo on his determination and the award. “We are very proud. Manchester United had been waiting for this for 40 years. Cristiano is in the tradition of our three other Ballons d’Or. His award is beyond all possible dispute. He is only 23 years old. His best years are ahead of him. In life, you have two categories of people. Those who reach their goal and go to bed saying to themselves ‘I made it’ and the other ones, who are driven by will, desire. These ones, when they win the trophy, they say to themselves ‘I go on’… Ronaldo has that sparkle in himself.”
After having recovering from an ankle injury during the beginning of this season Ronaldo scored 8 goals in 11 games.
