Ronaldo beats Mourinho to award
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named
Portugal's sportsman of the year ahead of Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho, who finished third.
The honour, handed out by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, recognised
Ronaldo's "contribution to the expansion of Portuguese football
across the world".
Ronaldo, 21, said: "I'm very happy with what I've achieved and want
to continue at this level in 2007."
Mourinho, the winner in 2004, finished behind Benfica striker Nuno
Gomes.
Ronaldo was heavily criticised in sections of the British media
after he appeared to encourage referee Horacio Elizondo to send off
Wayne Rooney during England's World Cup defeat by Portugal in
July.
His United team-mate Rooney revealed in August that "we have got no
problem with each other now".
And after surviving the backlash following his World Cup antics,
Ronaldo has rediscovered his best form.
Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, a director at Old
Trafford, has been so impressed with Ronaldo, who has scored 14
goals for club and country this season, that he has tipped the
Portugal player to become the 2007 Footballer of the Year.
