By Chris,
December 14 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed the European Player of the Year award following a stunning twelve months. The Portuguese international picked up the Ballon d'Or in Paris – and becomes the first United player to win the award since George Best in 1968. He becomes the fourth Red to take the gong.

The award, organised by France Football Magazine, is judged by a panel of respected sports journalists from across the globe.

Ronaldo received significantly more votes than his nearest competitors - Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres - to scoop the prestigious gong.

It has certainly been a memorable twelve months for the winger. In May, he secured the Premier League and European Cup crowns with United having scored 42 goals during the 2007/2008 campaign.

His reputation amongst the United faithful was somewhat tarnished after the player openly spoke of his desire to join Real Madrid this summer. However, Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with the situation superbly and, after collecting the award, Ronaldo underlined his new-found desire to remain at Old Trafford.

"I've been playing for Manchester for five years - I feel at home," said the 23-year-old. "I'm happy at Manchester and want to stay."

Ronaldo becomes only the fourth United player in history to win the award - following Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Best (1968). The last Portuguese star to win the award was Luis Filipe Figo in 2000.

He has already won the FifPro World Footballer of the Year this season, awarded in October, beating off competition from 54 other shortlisted players.

Congratulations Ronny - a truly awesome achievement.