Monday, April 23, 2007

Cristiano Ronaldo Intends to Improve after PFA Double

Cristiano Ronaldo intends to take his game to another level after scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.Not since Andy Gray won each of the coveted accolades 30 years ago has one player dominated the voting of his fellow professionals in such fashion.Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for Manchester United as the Red Devils remain on course for a Barclays Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.His achievement is all the more remarkable given the negative press he received after England's demise in the World Cup last year.The Portuguese winger declared it was a 'big honour' to be singled out by his peers - but does not intend to rest on his laurels.Ronaldo said: 'I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation.'At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.'This great team has helped me as well, because when the team win it is more easy for us all to play with more confidence.'Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it.'Ronaldo, who on accepting his main accolade from United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, declared the best was yet to come from him this season, added: 'I am still young and I am learning more every day.'I have much time to learn more and improve myself.'I try to improve all aspects of my football - not only in training but also in games.'Fellow United midfielder Paul Scholes finished third in the voting for the senior award, with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba second.United's Ryan Giggs had also made the shortlist for player of the year, along with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.Fabregas was runner-up in the young player category with Tottenham and England's Aaron Lennon claiming third.Among the other nominees were Ronaldo's Old Trafford team-mate, England striker Wayne Rooney, Reading forward Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.It was Manchester United who took centre stage at a gala dinner held at the Grosvenor House hotel last night - with eight of their players making it into the Premier League team of the year and manager Sir Alex Ferguson being honoured with the PFA Special Merit Award.Ferguson paid tribute to his multi-talented young winger, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £12.2million deal in August 2003.The United boss said: 'When we saw him play in a pre-season friendly for Sporting against us, at half-time I knew we had to get him and I said to [then chief executive] Peter Kenyon 'we are not leaving the stadium until we get the boy'.'At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible.'

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