England

FIFA Winner Cristiano Ronaldo Celebrates Huge Occasion

The Manchester United and Portugal ace, although no stranger to awards, was delighted to win his latest.

Jan 12, 2009 3:58:27 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo ; Marta - Fifa

Cristiano Ronaldo completed his personal double this evening by adding the FIFA World Player of the Year award to his Ballon d'Or for 2008 (see full report here.)

Addressing the audience after receiving his prize, the Manchester United and Portugal ace said, "This is a special moment of my life. It's a really unique occasion.

"I want to thank my mother, my father, my sisters - my whole family. I'd also like to thank my friends - they know who they are.

"I'll also thank my manager, Jorge Mendes, and my team-mates, because without them I wouldn't have won this prize here.

"I'm very pleased - this is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I hope to return here one day. Thank you all."

Ronaldo inherited the prize from Kaka, true to the prediction of Pele, who introduced both last year's and this year's awards.

'CR7' helped lead Manchester United to an historic Premier League and Champions League double in 2008, resulting in his victory in this trophy ahead of Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres.

-- Albert Dumont, Goal.com