Cristiano Ronaldo is the “best player in the Premier League” but needs to win a trophy in order to be crowned player of the year, fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho said Saturday.
The Manchester United winger is favourite to win the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) award on Sunday after a stunning season which has seen him score 38 goals.
The 23-year-old has played a key role in United’s campaign which sees them in the running for both the Premier League and Champions League.
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho believes Ronaldo has been “magnificent” but thinks it is too soon to be crowned.
Mourinho told BBC Radio Five Live: “I think the player of the year must be the best of the year but also a winner of the year. I don’t think it can be a player without a big trophy.
“Clearly, what Ronaldo did this year has been magnificent and by some distance he has been the best player in the Premier League.
“For me the best is always a winner because football is a collective sport.
“So, if Manchester United does something important by winning the Premier League or Champions League I, and not just me but the whole football world, would give him the Golden Boot.”
