Ronaldo declares himself one of the greatest of all time

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

The Real Madrid and Portugal star, on Monday, 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.

Ronaldo ended the year with Champions League and Euro 2016 winner’s medals, as well as one for the Club World Cup, prompting a string of year-end accolades.

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. 

You don’t lift the trophy for best player in the world without your team. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/f0KxUSVK3H

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 10, 2017

“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. 

“It was a spectacular year; a truly special one. I have no doubt that it has been my best since I have started to play football.”