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Ronaldo vows to become 'even better' after winning Ballon d'Or
Tom Collomosse2 Dec 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo today promised to become "even better" after he was crowned Europe's best footballer by winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.
The Manchester United winger, comfortably saw off the challenge of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who came second, and Liverpool's Fernando Torres, who was third.
Ronaldo was honoured principally for his outstanding form last season, when his 42 goals helped United win both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The 23-year-old Portuguese said: "This trophy is one that I want to win again, because it is so good. Therefore, I will say to myself: 'I want to be even better'.
"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is what I dreamed of as a child.
Of the 96 journalists canvassed by France Football magazine, 77 chose Ronaldo as their top player. Ronaldo's 446 points put him well clear of Messi, who collected 281, and Torres, who earned 179.
Ronaldo is just the second English-based player, after Michael Owen in 2001, to win the award since George Best in 1968.
Ballon d'Or top ten
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United
2. Lionel Messi, Barcelona
3. Fernando Torres, Liverpool
5. Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona
6. Andrei Arshavin, Zenit St Petersburg
7. David Villa, Valencia
8. Kaka, AC Milan
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Inter Milan
10. Steven Gerrard, Liverpool
