Ronaldo Collects 735th Personal Award

Cristiano Ronaldo was unusually humble and modest today as he picked up his most recent prize: the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

This is voted by national team managers and captains (wonder who got John Terry's vote) and it is little surprise that Ronaldo won it: the Ballon d'Or winner Portuguese had a near-perfect 2008.

'It's true that the manager always has an important role to play. Without Sir Alex and Scolari I wouldn't be here today. Sir Alex has had an important role to play in my life.'

'Last season was a great one for me, my club, and the boss was important because I learned a lot from him. His immense experience, after so many years, is of paramount importance and for me it's a privilege to be able to be a part of the history of such a big club as United.'

'The decision on who wins is final and is one taken by specialists, people who know about football. You have people voting for me, people who are voting for Kaka, and so on. It is a matter of respecting the views of other people. The player who wins the award deserves it.'

Definitely. And I'm much more willing to congratulate him now, on the back of a very good display against Chelsea yesterday. Ronaldo also added that he believes we are in a good position to retain the two most important titles. And the best of all: when asked about the Benitez rant, he responded with a little smile.

'I don't want to get mixed up with the important people.'

Brilliant.

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