Ronaldo wins European footballer of the year award

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Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has won the European Footballer of the Year Award.

The 23-year-old Portuguese star is the first from his country to win the coveted 'Ballon D'Or' award since Luis Figo in 2000.

His award - which he has widely spoken about having said in the last week that not only is he the best footballer in the world but also the second and third best - comes on the back of exceptional performances for his club side last season.
   
He scored a remarkable 42 times in 49 matches as United secured a memorable league and European Cup double.

Spaniard Fernando Torres was also in contention after scoring many great goals for Liverpool in the Premiership and the only goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.
 

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