Ronaldo Is World Player Of The Year

13-01-2009 09:49

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year 2008.

The Portugal international is the first Premier League player to win the award.

Ronaldo, 23, beat AC Milan's Kaka, Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi.

On winning the award he said: "It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues."

He also paid tribute to United manager saying: "It's also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him. His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won. I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

The award is decided by a vote from coaches and captains of 155 national teams. Messi took second place.

Ronaldo is the second Portuguese player to take the award after Luis Figo's win in 2001.

The honour made it a hat trick of awards for Ronaldo who won the European Player of the Year crown in December and the FifPro World Footballer of the Year honour in October.