Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the winner of the UEFA Footballer of the Year ahead of Lionel Messi and Gianluigi Buffon during a gala ceremony organized by the European football governing body in Monaco. The award was handed to the player after the Champions League draw was concluded.
The contenders for the prestigious award were chosen by a panel of 80 coaches of clubs that participated in the group stages of the 2016/17 Champions League and Europa League and 55 journalists selected by the European Sports Media (ESM) group, representing each of UEFA's member associations.
Reacting after he was given the award, Ronald said “Every year, the same challenge – to win everything, if it’s possible. In my club, in my national team. I’m so glad to be here, honoured to win this trophy again. I have to say thank you for my team-mates. For the national team too – I know it’s not a trophy for the national team, but when I go to my national team they always give me motivation to carry on all the time. I’m so glad and so happy, thank you everyone.”
Ronaldo is currently serving a five-match ban after being issued a red card in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
