Real Madrid and Portugal hit-man Cristiano Ronaldo has clinched the prestigious UEFA Best Player in Europe Award for the second time in his footballing career.
The former Manchester United star had an incredible last season where he played a pivotal role in guiding Real Madrid to clinch their second La Liga trophy in three years. Ronaldo also played an instrumental role in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph.
Congrats @Cristiano for winning the UEFA Best Player in Europe award! pic.twitter.com/12TcJ4T8dK
— UEFA (@UEFA) August 25, 2016
Ronaldo’s Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann were also in the race for the award.
Ronaldo was incredible in the last season under new coach Zinedine Zidane and bagged 51 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances. The Portuguese star scored 16 goals in 12 Champions League appearances before winning the trophy for the third time in his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the 2015/16 #UEFABestPlayer in Europe!
Congratulations ??? pic.twitter.com/8SaiEbQcjX
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 25, 2016
Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann documented his name among the top three candidates after a successful season with 32 goals to his name before playing a crucial role in guiding France to the finals of Euro 2016, before bagging the player of the tournament award.
“Of course, I feel happy because it was an unbelievable season,” Ronaldo said.
“But it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention these two amazing players [Bale and Griezmann]. Griezmann, I am sorry for your loss to Portugal in the final, but you are an amazing player. It was an unbelievable season.”
