Ronaldo Adjudged As Best Player Of 2008

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 -- Manchester United and Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been chosen as the FIFA World Player of the Year 2008.

The 23-year old Portuguese international footballer becomes the first footballer from the Premier League to win the prestigious award. He had earlier won the Ballon d'Or for his exceptional 2007-2008 season.

Ronaldo won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United last season and scored an incredible 42 goals in all competitions.

After being presented with the award in Zurich, he said:

:It is an overwhelming moment for me, a very special moment. I would like to say to my mother and my sister: you can set off the fireworks now'. I want to thank my friends, my family and my team-mates. This is one of the most important moments in my life. I hope I can come back."

FC Barcelona Messiah Lionel Messi came second while his club teammate Xavi Hernandez finished fifth. Liverpool hotshot Fernando Torres came third while AC Milan playmaker Kaka, who had won the award in 2007 finished fourth.