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Ronaldo 'honoured' by player of year award

28/04/2008

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is 'honoured' to have been presented with the PFA player of the year award.

The 23-year-old was presented with the prize at a gala dinner last night, which comes near the end of a superb season for the player.

Ronaldo has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season, averaging almost a goal a game in 2008, and it is this blistering form that has won him the award.

The recipient is voted for by his peers and the Portuguese has become the first man since Thierry Henry in 2003 and 2004 to win the prize in back-to-back years.

And in collecting the trophy, Ronaldo said he is "very happy" to have received the recognition from his fellow professionals.

"When you work all season to play good, to do something for the team, to do your contribution for the team and then at the end of the season the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment - it is an honour [and] a pleasure," he told the Press Association.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas collected the young player of the year prize, which was also won by Ronaldo in 2007.

And the Spanish starlet said he is "very proud" of his achievements, despite his side heading towards a second consecutive year without silverware.

"This is a very prestigious trophy – football is a collective game, and you always prefer to win trophies, but I'm very honoured to receive this award," he said.

"But, I have to pay tribute to my team-mates because without them, it would not have been possible.

"Someone just told me I am the first Spanish player to win this award, so I am proud of that."