Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the
2007/08 FifPro World Footballer of the Year.

The Portugal international was integral to the Red Devils' success
last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions as the Old Trafford
outfit lifted the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.

FifPro is the world-wide umbrella organisation for all professional
footballers, with players from more than 40 associations involved in
the voting process.

Ronaldo was part of the FifPro XI and held off the likes of Lionel
Messi, Fernando Torres, Xavi and United team-mate Rio Ferdinand to
claim the individual accolade.

The prodigiously gifted ace was part of the 2006/07 FifPro team, but
missed out on the main award as AC Milan's Brazil international Kaka
took the honour.

He told the FifPro official website: "To be recognised by my fellow
professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is
amazing.

"I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone
involved at Manchester United and the national team, as well as my
family and friends for their support.

"Thank you also to FifPro for this award and for your work in
protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

Ronaldo is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or and Fifa
World Player of the Year awards, and has already stated he feels
he 'deserves' both honours.
http://www.ronaldo.soccerfans.co.uk