Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Cristiano Ronaldo receives emotional tribute from Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson sent a special message to his former player Cristiano Ronaldo after he was crowned Portuguese Player of the Year.
Man Utd: Saha reveals how Alex Ferguson 'motivated' players
Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Portuguese footballer of the year for a record 10th time in Lisbon on Monday night.
This year’s triumph feels notably special, given just how brilliant fellow contenders Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix have been over the past calendar year.
With that in mind, Ronaldo will know the Portuguese national team is in good hands once he calls time on his glittering career.
The prize was marked with a special touch, after Ronaldo received a personal message of congratulations from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
While the Scot wasn’t in attendance at the Carlos Lopes Pavilion, he recorded a video shown to those present which shows just how far the 34-year-old has come.
"Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you're going to have in Portugal," Ferguson said.
"I'm really sorry I can't be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United, how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman.
"I want to say to you, and your mother, and all your family, and all of your kids; well done.
"You have been an absolute pleasure for me to have known, to have worked with, and to have seen you progress into the footballer you were.
"So, good luck, have a great night, and well done."
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his first year in Italy by winning three trophies with Juventus, including Serie A.
That was followed up by glory at this inaugural Nations League finals in his homeland, where Portugal beat the Netherlands in the final to secure their second trophy under Fernando Santos.
"This world is so fast, with the social media, the press, it's been wild," Ronaldo said after winning the prize.
"It's been an extremely complicated year on a personal level. Don't let anyone pull you down.
"I can't help but mention that Sporting deserves a little prize. Next time."