Cristiano Ronaldo named Best Player in Europe
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Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo has won his second Best Player in Europe award following the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony on Thursday. The 31-year-old beat his teammate Gareth Bale and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann to the award which was voted by journalists of UEFA's 55 member associations.
"Of course, I feel happy because it was an unbelievable season. But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention these two amazing players [Bale and Griezmann]. Griezmann, I am sorry for your loss to Portugal in the final, but you are an amazing player. It was an unbelievable season," Ronaldo said after winning the award, reported ESPN.
The Portuguese star guided his team to their maiden European Championship triumph and also played a key role in his club's Champions League win last season. He scored a total of 51 goals in
The 10-man shortlist was reduced to Ronaldo, Bale, and Griezmann by the governing body and journalists from 55 of the UEFA's member associations voted for the award. Ronaldo became the second player after Lionel Messi to win the award twice, with Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery lifting it once each.
Norway striker Ada Hegerberg was presented the Best Women’s Player in Europe award.
Congrats @Cristiano for winning the UEFA Best Player in Europe award! pic.twitter.com/12TcJ4T8dK
— UEFA (@UEFA) August 25, 2016
