Ronaldo Named Portugal’s Best Player

Cristiano Ronaldo recalled an “unforgettable” 2017 while also having a word for his critics as he received the Portugal FA’s Player of the Year award, while Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho received an ambassadorial award at the same event in Lisbon.

Ronaldo had a tremendous last calendar year in which he won five trophies with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and La Liga double, and he personally picked up a fifth Ballon d’Or as well as the the FIFA Best Player and UEFA Player of the Year awards.

After a dip in performances at the start of the season, Ronaldo has also been in tremendous form in recent weeks as Madrid have regained their form in La Liga and progressed to the Champions League quarterfinals to meet Juventus.

Speaking at Monday’s gala ceremony at Lisbon’s Pavilhao Carlos Lopes, where he received the trophy from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, Ronaldo said he will continue to show out on the pitch that he remains “the best, whatever [the critics] say.”

“Thanks to everyone here, this is a prize also for my teammates,” he said, according to AS. “2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable both in the collective and the individual. Real Madrid won five trophies in one year, and I won my fifth Ballon D’Or and my second-Best Player of the Year prize.

“I also dedicate it to my four children, this is another record, three children in three months. I always say that I am the best, whatever they say, and then I show it on the pitch. We are in the battle year after year.”

Portugal’s Quinas de Ouro [Golden Shields] are decided by a mixed vote among coaches, players and fans. Ronaldo retained the trophy by picking up 65 percent of the votes, ahead of Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio’s 18 percent and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva’s 17 percent.