Ronaldo recognized as the best in Europe

Cristiano Ronaldo, the key figure in Manchester United FC to progress in the Uefa Champions League glory last season, had more to celebrate today after collecting the Uefa Club Footballer of the Year prize for the awards ceremony in Monaco. The Portuguese international forward was also selected as the Best Forward while there was some consolation for Chelsea FC, the United side overcame in Moscow in May, as Petr Čech, John Terry and Frank Lampard were nominated for the Best Goalkeeper, Defence and Midfield, respectively .

Sensational season

Ronaldo scored the goal in the United Luzhniki Olympic Stadium - its 42nd in all competitions in a prolific club campaign - and although subsequently lost in the penalty shoot out, the United States bounced back to become champions of Europe for the third time. It completed a sensational season for Ronaldo, who finished as the Champions League Uefa the eight-goal top scorer and also claimed the ESM Golden Shoe having beaten 31 Premier League goals as United retained their title. The 23-year-old claims of AC Milan Kaká as the Club Footballer of the Year and is the second Portuguese international to land the prize after Deco in 2004. As he reflected on the stars who have previously received the accolade, Ronaldo said: "It's a pleasure to be part of this wonderful group of players. To win this award is great for me and I am very proud. The Champions League is a great level and be one of the best players is great. "

Forward Accolade

Ronaldo also became the second United player to take home the prize after David Beckham in 1999, while Ruud van Nistelrooy was voted Best Forward, while at Old Trafford in 2003. Asked what was the secret of her success, Ronaldo replied: "Work. I think Manchester had a great season and scored many goals. I am very proud to be the best forward as far as I played - is very good for me and gives me more ambition to be better. Thanks to all my colleagues and those who voted for me. "

Chelsea cheer

Čech, meanwhile, beat off the competition from United's Edwin van der Sar, Manuel Almunia, Manuel Neuer and Pepe Reina to lift the Best Goalkeeper gong for the second consecutive year and third time overall, after being honored in 2005. He was presented with his trophy Peter Schmeichel, the winner of the inaugural award in 1998. His abiding memory of the season was perhaps his role in the Uefa Champions League final penalty shootout. He said: "Of course it is difficult because it is only up to me and the five players who shoot. But I tried to remember what he had seen the videos he had seen and what I had spoken with other goalkeepers. This is what I was going through my mind. "

Terry honour

Terry, who was handed his prize Franco Baresi, has been voted Best Defense in 2005 but is no less delighted by his last silverware. "For me personally is an incredible achievement," he said, adding: "To be a great defender you need a lot of attributes - to be fast, strong, good in the air and that they also need large amounts of his companions around and I am very fortunate to have that. " One of my colleagues, Lampard, became the first player of Chelsea - and only the second English-based footballer Beckham after nine years ago - to take the midfield applause, given out by Sir Bobby Charlton. He said: "It feels very good. When you see players who are against, some world class players. I've been up for the award three years so it's nice to finally win."(uefa.com)