Soccer

Ronaldo and Fabregas claim awards

Cristiano Ronaldo's outstanding season was recognised by his peers last night as he was again voted the Professional Footballers…

Mon Apr 28 2008 - 01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's outstanding season was recognised by his peers last night as he was again voted the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year. Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was named Young Player of the Year.

Manchester United winger Ronaldo, who has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season, beat Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and David James in the annual poll.

It was the second year in succession the 23-year-old Portuguese star had claimed the prestigious award.

Ronaldo did not attend the PFA's ceremony at London's Grosvenor House hotel last night but was shown on screen accepting the award from United boss Alex Ferguson at the club's Carrington training ground.

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Ronaldo and United are currently preparing for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The voting was reversed for the young player award with Spain international Fabregas finishing ahead of Ronaldo. Torres, Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young had been the other nominees.

Chelsea's push for double glory in the Premier League and Champions League was not recognised in the PFA's top-flight team of the year, with no Blues players featuring.

United had three representatives in Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic while Fabregas, Adebayor, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy featured for Arsenal.

Liverpool duo Gerrard and Torres were included, as was Portsmouth and England
goalkeeper James and Aston Villa midfielder Young.

Former England and Blackpool full-back Jimmy Armfield, 72, still involved in the game as a broadcaster, received the Merit award for his services to the game. The former Leeds manager overcame a battle with cancer last year.

PFA teams of the year

Premier League: David James (Portsmouth), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Championship: Wayne Hennessy (Wolves), Bradley Orr (Bristol City), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Dan Shittu (Watford), Paul Robinson (West Brom), Brian Howard (Barnsley), Marvin Elliott (Bristol City), Liam Lawrence (Stoke), Jonathan Greening (West Brom), Ricardo Fuller (Stoke), Kevin Phillips (West Brom).