Soccer

Ronaldo picks up both PFA awards

Cristiano Ronaldo intends to take his game to another level after scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards…

Mon Apr 23 2007 - 01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo intends to take his game to another level after scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

Not since Andy Gray won each of the coveted accolades 30 years ago has one player dominated the voting of his fellow professionals in such fashion.

Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for Manchester United as the Red Devils remain on course for a Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

His achievement is all the more remarkable given the negative press he received after England's demise in the World Cup last year.

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The Portuguese winger declared it was a "big honour" to be singled out by his peers — but does not intend to rest on his laurels.

Ronaldo said: "I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation. At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.

"This great team has helped me as well, because when the team win it is more easy for us all to play with more confidence. Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it."

Fellow United midfielder Paul Scholes finished third in the voting for the senior award, with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba second.

United's Ryan Giggs had also made the shortlist for player of the year, along with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.

Fabregas was runner-up in the young player category with Tottenham and England's Aaron Lennon claiming third.

Among the other nominees were Ronaldo's Old Trafford team-mate, England striker Wayne Rooney, Reading forward Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.

PFA Player and Young Player of the Year 2007:  Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2007: Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra (all Man Utd); Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo (all Man Utd) & Steven Gerrard (Liverpool); Didier Drogba (Chelsea) & Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham)

Special Merit Award: Alex Ferguson