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This is an archive article published on January 14, 2009
Ronaldo completes hat-trick
Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFA World Player of the Year at a ceremony on Monday...
Written by Reuters
Zurich | January 14, 2009 11:29 PM IST
2 min read
2 min read
Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFA World Player of the Year at a ceremony on Monday. Barcelonas Argentine forward Lionel Messi was second,with Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres third. Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez,also of Barcelona,and AC Milans Brazilian playmaker Kaka completed the top five.
Ronaldo won the honour for the first time after helping United win the Premier League,Champions League and Club World Cup. It also completed a hat-trick of individual honours for the 23-year-old,who had already won the football journalists Ballon dOr trophy and the FIFPro World Player of the Year title voted for by his fellow professionals.
Its an overwhelming moment,very special, said Ronaldo after receiving the FIFA award from Pele. I can say to my mother and sister,let the fireworks off now. Its one of the most important moments in my life.
Ronaldo is the first player based at an English club to win the FIFA award,which had previously gone only to footballers playing for Spanish or Italian sides. There may be no English players here but I believe its important for England that myself and Fernando Torres are here representing two English clubs, said Ronaldo before the ceremony.
It is a victory for the English fans as well because the Premier League is strong,even though we must not forget the leagues in Spain and Italy remain strong as well.
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