Ronaldo is Portugal’s Sportsperson of 2006

MANCHESTER United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured in his home country by being awarded the Portugal Sportsperson of the Year award for 2006.

Leading Portuguese sports daily A Bola chose the player for his “important contribution to the expansion of Portuguese football across the world”.

The 21-year-old international finished ahead of Benfica striker Nuno Gomes, the winner of the award last year, and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, who won in 2004.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve managed to achieve up until now,” Ronaldo said after scoring two goals in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Reading . “I’ve scored goals and helped my team win. I want to continue at this level in 2007.”