Ronaldo ready for top awards

CRISTIANO RONALDO believes he deserves to be crowned both European and World Player of the Year.

The Portugal forward is one of the favourites to scoop the awards after leading Manchester United to a Champions League and Premier League double last season.

The 23-year-old faces stiff competition from the likes of Barcelona playmaker Messi and Liverpool forward Fernando Torres, who also impressed in the Premier League and in Europe.

“There cannot be just one candidate,” Ronaldo said. “There are two or three that deserve it.

“But if you look at what each of them has done throughout the season, I believe I have done more than the rest.

“I won the golden boot after scoring 31 goals, I was top scorer in England and in Europe. I was also the top scorer in the Champions League with eight goals and I am not a striker.”

Meanwhile Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insisted yesterday his club’s pursuit of Ronaldo is officially over.

“It is forgotten, not only for January but forever,” said Calderon.

“We would only talk about it if Manchester decide they want to sell him.

“But the matter is over. We talked about it last season. Manchester United decided not to sell the player and we don’t want to do anything against a club like Manchester United.

“The player decided to stay in Manchester and we accept it.

“Madrid is not doing anything to disturb a ‘friend club’ like Manchester,” he added.