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.