Ronaldo set to be crowned EU Footballer of the Year
30 Nov 2008, 1818 Hrs

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London, Nov.30 Portuguese striker and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to declared the European Footballer of the Year today.

Ronaldo will become the first United player since George Best 40 years ago to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or, reports The Mirror.

Expressing his delight over the honour, Manchester United coach-cum-manager Alex Ferguson said: "For any winger to score 42 goals in a season is remarkable, but to do it in the Premier League is even more phenomenal."erguson further went on to describe him as being as good with the ball as Maradona, Pele or Cruyff.

Modern fans will understand Ferguson's comparisons with Pele, Cruyff and Maradona. The Portuguese forward has the scoring power and individual brilliance that helped make that trio the best players of the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties.

Lawton was England's finest centre-forward around the time of the Second World War. He played for Burnley, Everton, Chelsea, Notts County and Arsenal. In 23 full England appearances he scored 22 goals.

Lawton died, aged 77, in 1996. His admirers insist he was the perfect two-footed, pacy goal-scorer blessed with incredible heading ability.

"Cristiano deserves the award. Without doubt there isn't another player who can get close to him," Ferguson said. (ANI)