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All-star Ronaldo scoops football writers' award

16/05/2008

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the football writers' player of the year award for the second year in succession at a gala dinner in London.

The 23-year-old picked up the award from the Football Writers' Association (FWA) event at the Royal Lancaster hotel after being voted ahead of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James in the poll.

The award is the fifth major personal prize given to the Manchester United starlet in just two seasons in English football.

He collected the same FWA trophy last season, along with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year and young player of the year accolades.

Last week he retained the PFA player of the year gong - only the second man to do so after former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

The ex-Gunner was also the last man to scoop the football writers' award two years running, in 2003 and 2004.

Paul Hetherington, the chairman of the FWA, said: "Ronaldo's award is no surprise after his brilliant form this season and incredible goalscoring record - and he is, of course, essentially a winger.

"Cristiano was an overwhelming winner and, given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."

Ronaldo's form this season, which has seen him score an unprecedented 41 goals, helped United retain the Premier League crown.

The Red Devils will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet next Wednesday when they take on rivals Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow.