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Ferguson reveals pride over Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or

02/12/2008

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is "very proud" to see Cristiano Ronaldo win the Ballon d'Or award.

The Portuguese international was voted the European footballer of the year by a panel of journalists at the prestigious event, presented by France Football magazine after enjoying a superb 2007/08 season for his club.

Ronaldo helped United to a Premier League and Champions League double, and Ferguson said the player's individual achievements ranked with some of the club's all-time greats such as previous Ballon d'Or winners Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best.

"We are very proud. Manchester United had been waiting for this for 40 years," Ferguson told the magazine.

"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."

Ferguson also hailed the winger's drive and ambition, saying it is what keeps him at the top of his game at all times.

"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 their will and desire," the manager continued.

"These ones, when they win the trophy, they say to themselves 'I go on'.

"Ronaldo has that sparkle."