Cristiano Ronaldo was named the best player in Europe and the World thanks to his brilliant season with United. After five years with the club he emerged from a scrawny ‘one trick pony’ to the best footballer going.

Lionel Messi, who came 2nd to Ronaldo, has today claimed that our winger deserved the awards.

“Of course it doesn’t bother me at all that I didn’t win this year,” Messi said. “I’ve always said he was a brilliant player. His instincts are out of this world. Until you see him on the pitch, you don’t realise what a physical presence he has. It is good to be recognised but it will depend on the titles Barca wins. Cristiano won the Champions League and the English league last season and that’s why he deserved to be recognised.”