It is the first in what is expected to be a host of
individual honours for the 23-year-old, who scored 42 goals for
Manchester United on their way to Champions League and Premier
League title glory last term.
Ronaldo had suggested last week he could do no more than he did
to be crowned the best player on the planet and peers from over 40
countries are in agreement.
At £12.2million, Ronaldo has proved to be a bargain since his
arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, growing steadily into the
most influential player in the United team.
It is anticipated Ronaldo will also scoop the Balon D'Or and the
FIFA World Player of the Year award, with the Portugal
international - who has also been named in FifPro's world team of
the year - keen to remain at Old Trafford for another couple of
seasons at least.
"I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think
that next year I will continue here," Ronaldo told Marca
Although Sir Alex Ferguson has twice been forced to intervene to
keep Ronaldo at the club - immediately after the 2006 World Cup and
last summer as Real Madrid made their bid to get him - the player
seems committed to helping United win further honours, even if his
lack of goal celebrations recently has been the subject of major
debate.
Ronaldo admitted Ferguson played a huge part in his decision to
commit his immediate future to the Red Devils following this
summer's transfer speculation.
"He has been a key person. I respect him a lot, because it was
him who signed me and he has played a very important part in all
that I have won," said Ronaldo.
"In Lisbon I reached an agreement with him and it was decided
that the best thing for all was to continue.
"He listened to my arguments and I listened to his. Now I
understand that it was the correct decision. I am with Manchester
United body and soul."
