Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Third PFA Award for Wonderful Ronaldo


Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has earned his third award in as many days after being named the Official PFA Fans' Player of the Year.

On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned both Players' Player and Young Player of the Year and on Tuesday he was awarded the fans' award.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, himself an award winner on Sunday night, paid tribute to his 22-year-old. He said: 'He's been fantastic. His improvement and development have been superb. He is the best player in the world. It's easy for a manager to say that but he's getting that accolade from everywhere, not just me. When that happens it is difficult for some players but he is so level-headed.'

The Portuguese star said: 'I put myself to the test and it succeeded. The pressures ended up strengthening me and the boos gave me even more strength. Ive matured and
calmed down, and these awards have given me even more motivation to be successful.'

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor also paid tribute to the treble award winner, saying: 'He is the most exciting player in the country at the moment. The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet.

'This season was a big test for him, both of his temperament and his ability to rise above the abuse he received after the incident with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, and he has passed with flying colours in every department.

'I wasn't sure, after the World Cup, if things would get back to normal at Old Trafford, but Cristiano has shown great maturity and proved himself to be a top, top player. All credit to Sir Alex for resolving what was a difficult situation. 'All credit to Cristiano too because he has developed from a player who perhaps used to run down too many closed avenues in his early days at United, to a wonderful entertainer whose tricks and skills are much more constructive, and productive, these days.

'He is much more of a team player now and, as is the test of all great forwards, he knows how to find the back of the net - as he has done on so many occasions this season. 'He has still got all the tricks and, if he was to perform them on the stage at the London Palladium, you would have to stand up and applaud.

'For him to be able to perform them on a football field, at full speed with everything going on around him, makes it all the more remarkable and it is great that Sir Alex continues to encourage him to do so, whereas at some clubs he might have been told to 'keep it simple'.'

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