Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 27 October 2008 )

English Premiership Football News

Ronaldo wins world players' award
Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFPro World Football of the Year, beating 54 other players on the shortlist.

The honor, voted by professional footballers around the world, was widely expected after Ronaldo scored 42 goals for United last season.

Ronaldo was also named in the FIFPro team of the year, alongside his United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

"To be recognized by my fellow players is incredible," said 23-year-old.

"I want to thank my teammates and coaches and all those who have United and the national team and my family and my friends for their support."

Liverpool Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and Chelsea and England captain John Terry was also the team with Kaka AC Milan midfielder and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo, who was the driving force behind United Fa Barclaycard Premiership and Champions League double last season, is also a contest to win the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or.

It is linked to a move to Real Madrid in the summer but the winger is looking to put this episode behind him, while revealing United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was the main factor behind his decision to stay .

"Sir Alex has been a great inspiration for me," he said. "I believed in me enough to buy me. I learned a lot from him and I continue to learn because it is an excellent manager.

"Of course, he was the main factor keeping me here. But what happened during the summer is over. Now my head is on the club. My focus is only on reading and Manchester United and win the Fa Barclaycard Premiership and Champions League again. "

Ronaldo has three goals to his name this season after missing the start of the campaign through injury, but Ferguson has backed the star to come good.

"I still think it will fly 25," said Ferguson. "It will be difficult because he had a stop-start beginning of the season.

"I had the operation on his ankle so that I missed some games and it does its rate of return.

"The number of goals I scored last year was absolutely phenomenal. But I hope it can be just as good as this year in terms of its contribution to the team."

The original 55-man list included FIFPro Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas.

FIFPro is the body representing the world of professional football players, with over 57,500 members.
by bbcnews.com