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Ronaldo takes PFA prize for second year running

28/04/2008

Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted player of the year by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

The Portuguese retains the trophy he won last year, becoming the first man since Thierry Henry in 2003 and 2004 to do so.

Ronaldo was chosen from a ballot of his peers after a superb season with United, who are two wins away from a second straight Premier League title.

And the 23-year-old's form - which has seen him score 38 goals while playing largely on the wing – has been one of the main reasons the Red Devils continue to lead the way in the domestic game.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "The debate about whether he's as good as George Best will go on and on, but for him to have broken George's goalscoring record from a wide position is phenomenal - as are those incredible free kicks he practices tirelessly.

"He was absolutely fantastic last season and I think a lot of people doubted whether he could match those achievements, but he has actually bettered them with such an amazing goal return for a winger and the fact he has added other things to his all-round game."

Ronaldo also won the young player of the year prize last year, but despite being nominated again he was pipped to the trophy by young Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The Gunners playmaker has enjoyed a similarly spectacular year, adding an ability to find the net to his already prodigious talents as he has scored 13 goals in all competitions.

In a glowing tribute to Fabregas, Gordon added: "The Gunners continue to be one of the best and most attractive teams to watch and the excellent young Spaniard is at the heart of most of their good work.

"It's incredible to think he's not even 21, yet he plays with such maturity and calm."