Christiano Ronaldo Is Fifpro Player Of The Year

Professional footballers across the world voted Ronaldo who scored 42 goals for United last season to help them take an unprecendented brace.

Ronaldo and his team mate Rio Ferdinand were both named in the Fitpro team. Though Ronaldo was not surprised he was voted as the best by players, he said,

"To be recognised by my fellow players is amazing," said the 23-year-old.

"I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support."

Other players in the English Premier League who made the team include Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and Chelsea and England captain John Terry also made the team.

AC Milan midfielder Kaka and Barcelona star Lionel Messi were also there representing the seria A and La Liga and Christiano Ronaldo beat them all to the award..

Ronaldo, who was the driving force behind United's Premier League and Champions League double last season, is also a strong contender to win the Fifa World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d'Or.

"Sir Alex has been a big inspiration to me," he said. "He believed in me enough to buy me. I have learned so many things from him and I am continuing to learn because he is a great manager.

"Of course, he was the main factor in keeping me here. But what happened in the summer is finished. Now my head is on the club. My focus is solely on playing well for Manchester United and winning the Premier League and Champions League again."

So far this season, Christiano Ronaldo has scored three goals after missing the start of the campaign through injury, but Ferguson believes the player will come good.

"I still think he will beat 25," said Ferguson. "It is going to be difficult because he has had a stop-start beginning to the season.

"He had the operation on his ankle so he has missed a few games and he is just getting his rhythm back.

"The number of goals he scored last year was absolutely phenomenal. But I hope he can be equally as good this year in terms of his contribution to the team."

The original 55-man FifPro shortlist included Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas. I am however surprised that neither Fabregas nor Adebayor (30 goals for Arsenal) both of Arsenal made the final Eleven.

Pro World XI:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid); John Terry (England/Chelsea); Carles Puyol (Spain/ Barcelona); Rio Ferdinand (England/Manchester United)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool); Xavi (Spain/Barcelona); Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona); Fernando Torres (Spain/Liverpool); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Manchester United)

This list again emphasizes the Premier Leagues's dominance over other leagues in the world. At last it seems a player based in England will clinch the FIFA player of the year award.