Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo believes he changed the game by scoring 31 goals from midfield in the Premier League last season to win the European Golden Boot award.
“With this Golden Boot I have changed football a little. Usually strikers won it and I’m a winger,” the Portugal international told La Gazzetta dello Sport after receiving the trophy at a ceremony in his native Madeira on Saturday.
Ronaldo said he is confident of winning the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year prizes after inspiring United to the Champions League-Premier League double last term.
“The best candidate for the other prizes is Cristiano Ronaldo,” the 23-year-old said.
“To be honest, I think I have been the most consistent and the best. And over time I want to enter the book of the all-time best players.”
Ronaldo, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on his right ankle in July, said he does not fear a hostile reception at Old Trafford after making an unsuccessful request to be sold to Real Madrid in the close season.
“When I put on the (United) shirt, I give my all. And I’m already in the history of the club,” he said. “When I play again the fans will love me again.”
He also said it was unlikely he would move to Manchester City, after media reports linked him to a big money move to the cross-town rivals.
“No one knows my future, but I don’t see myself in the shirt of another Manchester team,” he said.
