Prem stars praise Ronaldo

Quartet explain vote for United star

Last updated: 28th April 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo 2008 PFA Player of the Year

Ronaldo: Voted best again

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Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to win the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year according to his peers.

The Manchester United star won the prize for the second year running after another sparkling campaign at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season, beat Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and David James in the annual poll.

A number of Premier League stars have given their backing to Ronaldo after voting for him for the player award.

Portsmouth striker Jermaine Defoe is a big admirer of Ronaldo and feels he has taken the game to another level with his performances.

"He is unbelievable," Defoe told Sky Sports News. "He has taken the game to another level.

"Obviously eveyone knows about his skill when he first came over and the amount of goals he has scored from midfield is extraordinary really.

"As I said he has taken to another level and he deserved to win."

Sunderland duo Carlos Edwards and Kenwyne Jones also believe Ronaldo was worthy of the prize for a second year in succession.

Edwards noted: "He deserved it, credit to him and his team he deserves every vote he got this season.

Jones added: I think he has been outstanding out of the whole of 20 teams and he has been the most outstanding player I think probably for the past two years and he deserved this award."

Birmingham midfielder Fabrice Muamba was also full of praise for the Portuguese international.

"Cristiano has been fantastic for the whole season and I think the guy deserves it," said Muamba. "Credit to him and his team-mates as he has been one of the best players on the pitch."