While in France, Ronaldo became joint all-time leading marksman in EURO final tournaments, set a new record for most EURO finals appearances and overtook Luís Figo as Portugal’s most-capped player.
Advertisement
“We are really happy because two Real players were among the best in Europe”, said club president Florentino Perez.
The Portugal captain hasn’t yet played this season for his club Real Madrid, and wasn’t called up on Friday for Portugal friendly against Gibraltar on September 1, and first World Cup qualifier against Switzerland five days later.
After the UEFA Champions draw, there was still more business to attend to, as UEFA would hand out its player of the year award. “I will work to achieve it as I’ve done every year”.
2016 has been fantastic year for 31-year-old Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo – scoring 51 goals in 48 matches for Real Madrid and driving the Portuguese team towards winning the EURO 2016 Championship. “He lost two finals so it was unlucky for him but I think he’s a fantastic player, he’s a good boy, he’s my neighbour – he lives next to me – and he deserved it”, the Argentine global said. The ten players with the most points advanced to the second vote, which has determined the three finalists – Gareth Bale, Antoine Griezmann and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal captain got the better of France star Griezmann in both finals before trumping the 25-year-old at the award ceremony in Monaco on Thursday, but believes his Atletico Madrid rival would have been a worthy victor. “It was an unbelievable season”.
Advertisement
But despite the standout season of the two other nominees, Ronaldo definitely deserves this award by having an even better outing. He can sleep easy tonight knowing he is the best player in Europe this year.
