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Cristiano Ronaldo voted PFA player of the year in England

AP, LONDON
Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007, Page 19

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo with his PFA Young Player of the Year award and his PFA Player of the Year award at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo won two player of the year awards voted for by his fellow Premier League players on Sunday.

Ronaldo won the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year and young player of the year at a dinner in London. He's the first man since Aston Villa striker Andy Gray in 1977 to win both awards in the same season.

Ronaldo beat Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for the honor, with United teammate Paul Scholes finishing third. The other contenders were United winger Ryan Giggs, Liverpool midfielder -- and last year's winner -- Steven Gerrard, and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The 22-year-old Portugal international has been a key member of United's side this season as they bid to repeat their 1999 treble of English Premier League, European Champions League and English FA Cup trophies. He's scored 21 goals for United so far this season.

Ronaldo's future at United was uncertain at the beginning of the season after he clashed with United teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup quarter-final match between Portugal and England in July. He publicly considered leaving but was persuaded to stay.

"Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it," said Ronaldo, who signed a five-year contract on April 13.

"I am still young and I am learning more every day. I have much time to learn more and improve myself. I try to improve all aspects of my football -- not only in training but also in games."

Ronaldo is the first United player to win the senior award since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2002. Rooney has won the young player of the year award the past two seasons.
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