Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFAs world player of the year for 2008, becoming the first Premier League participant to claim the award since soccers governing body introduced the prize in 1991.
The accolade is Ronaldos second personal triumph since scoring 42 goals to propel United to last seasons Champions League and Premier League championships. In December he received soccers other top honor, the Ballon dOr. This is the fourth year in a row the same player has won both awards.
"Im happy and proud," Ronaldo told reporters before collecting his trophy at Zurichs Opera House. "What my team achieved has been the climax of my career."
The 23-year-old topped a poll of national team coaches and captains, ahead of last years winner Kaka of Brazil, Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Xavi and Barcelonas Argentina international forward Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo said he had been misquoted when media outlets across Europe reported him saying "I am the first, second, and third best player in the world late last year."
"I never said anything along those lines—that would be a lack of respect toward my co-players and colleagues," Ronaldo said, as he sat alongside the other nominees.
Ronaldo, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon for 12.2 million pounds ($18.3 million) in 2003, hasnt replicated last seasons form. The Portugal national team member missed the start of the season because of injury, and speculation over a move to Spanish champion Real Madrid continues to cast doubts over his future in Manchester. Since returning from injury in September, Ronaldo has scored 9 goals in 23 matches.
More reports of a move to Spain surfaced in the Spanish press in the past month, suggesting Ronaldo had signed a pre- contract agreement with Real.
"Its not true," the forward said, adding that he didnt want to discuss the topic further. United had reported Real to FIFA last year over claims that Real made an illegal approach for its star player.
Ronaldo appeared to suggest that he would be staying at United longer than many think.
"I consider myself lucky that I can become part of the history of this club," he said, before crediting coach Alex Ferguson with much of his success.
"It was a great season for my club and the coach was important for me because I learnt a lot from him. He has immense experience. You know a good player could never make it without a great coach. Its been a privilege to play under him."
FIFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1991: Lothar Matthaeus (Germany)
1992: Marco van Basten (Netherlands)
1993: Roberto Baggio (Italy)
1994: Romario (Brazil)
1995: George Weah (Liberia)
1996: Ronaldo (Brazil)
1997: Ronaldo (Brazil)
1998: Zinedine Zidane (France)
1999: Rivaldo (Brazil)
2000: Zinedine Zidane (France)
2001: Luis Figo (Portugal)
2002: Ronaldo (Brazil)
2003: Zinedine Zidane (France)
2004: Ronaldinho (Brazil)
2005: Ronaldinho (Brazil)
2006: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
2007: Kaka (Brazil)