Cristiano Ronaldo named European Club Footballer of Year

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA's European Club Footballer of the Year yesterday after scoring 42 goals last season including eight in the Champions League.

The award was made during the draw for this year's group phase at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Ronaldo was also named as the forward of the year for helping United win the European Cup for the third time.

Three Chelsea players who were in the side beaten by United in the Moscow final in May, won awards. John Terry was named as defender of the year, Petr Cech goalkeeper of the year and Frank Lampard midfielder of the year.

Ronaldo scored United's goal against Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium last May - his 42nd in all competitions in a prolific club campaign - and although he subsequently missed in the penalty shoot-out, United bounced back to become champions of Europe for the third time.

The 23-year-old succeeds Milan's Kaka as the Club Footballer of the Year and is the second Portuguese international to land the prize after Deco in 2004. "It's a pleasure to be part of this magnificent group of players," Ronaldo said.

"To win this award is great for me and I feel very proud. The Champions League is a great level and to be one of the best players in it is great."

The Awards

Best goalkeeper:
Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Best defender:
John Terry (Chelsea)

Best midfielder:
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Best forward:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United)

UEFA Club Footballer of the Year:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United)