Cristiano Ronaldo named Portugal's Player of the Year, Jose Mourinho awarded

Cristiano Ronaldo recalled an "unforgettable" 2017 while also having a word for his critics as he received the Portugal FA's Player of the Year award, while Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho received an ambassadorial award at the same event in Lisbon.

Ronaldo had a tremendous last calendar year in which he won five trophies with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and La Liga double, and he personally picked up a fifth Ballon d'Or as well as the the FIFA Best Player and UEFA Player of the Year awards.

After a dip in performances at the start of the season, Ronaldo has also been in tremendous form in recent weeks as Madrid have regained their form in La Liga and progressed to the Champions League quarterfinals to meet Juventus.

Speaking at Monday's gala ceremony at Lisbon's Pavilhao Carlos Lopes, where he received the trophy from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, Ronaldo said he will continue to show out on the pitch that he remains "the best, whatever [the critics] say."

"Thanks to everyone here, this is a prize also for my teammates," he said, according to AS. "2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable both in the collective and the individual. Real Madrid won five trophies in one year, and I won my fifth Ballon D'Or and my second Best Player of the Year prize.

"I also dedicate it to my four children, this is another record, three children in three months. I always say that I am the best, whatever they say, and then I show it on the pitch. We are in the battle year after year."

Portugal's Quinas de Ouro [Golden Shields] are decided by a mixed vote among coaches, players and fans. Ronaldo retained the trophy by picking up 65 percent of the votes, ahead of Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio's 18 percent and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva's 17 percent.

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim was named Portuguese mens' Coach of the Year. Mourinho was not nominated for that prize despite winning the Europa League and League Cup in 2017, but did receive the Premio Vasco da Gama, an award for his contribution to the expansion of the Portuguese identity.

Winger Goncalo Guedes, on loan at Valencia from Paris Saint-Germain, won the "revelation" award for the best Portuguese under-21 player.

The awards are organised jointly by the Portuguese FA, the National Football Coaches Association and the Professional Football Players Union. The president of the organising committee is former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Luis Figo.



ESPN


Related News

500
Leave a comment...