I’m part of football’s history – Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo believes his bulging trophy haul is proof that he is one of the greatest footballers of all time, Goal reports.

On Monday, the Real Madrid and Portugal star added The Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2016 to the Ballon d’Or that he won last month, capping a stellar 12 months with club and country.

Despite an era-defining row over his or Lionel Messi’s dominance of the period that they have shared, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the game’s greats has long been secured, a fact not lost on him.

“I have no doubt that I am already a part of football’s history,” he told FIFA’s official website.

“This has always been my major goal, since I started playing: not only to become a player, but to be a star and to constantly strive to be the best.

“And I did it: the trophies speak for themselves – both the titles, the individual awards, and the records.

“It is a source of great pride and it motivates me to keep on working the same way I have been doing so far.”

Reflecting on a glittering year with club and country, Ronaldo said: “I have said it a few times: this has probably been the best year of my career.

“Having won the trophy with the national team obviously plays a big part in it as it was a first for Portugal and this makes 2016 a very special year.

“But there is also Real Madrid winning the Champions League and then the Club World Cup to finish the year in the best possible manner.”