Ronaldo hopeful on awards

United winger looking for recognition

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 17th November 2008

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Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or and Fifa World Player of the Year awards.

The Portuguese winger has kept up his fine form this season after inspiring Manchester United to domestic and European glory last term.

He is among the favourites to win the individual gongs next month and has joked that he is the number one, two and three player in the world.

Ronaldo, who aims to keep improving over the coming years, accepts that there are a number of other players in the frame.

"I am the first, the second and the third best player in the world. But there are other good candidates like Kaka, (Lionel) Messi and Fernando Torres," Ronaldo said in an interview with Sao Paulo-based newspaper O Estado.

"I think I did everything that is necessary to win and I want to continue doing even more.

"My aim is to win everything that is front of me."

Pele praise

Pele has heaped praise on Ronaldo too ahead of Portugal's friendly with Brazil and the United playmaker is flattered by the words of the legendary star.

He said: "That means a lot to me. He was a great player and it is a special feeling to earn the praise of someone like Pele."

Looking ahead to Wednesday's game, Ronaldo stated that he expects Brazil to recover from their recent dip in form.

He added: "They have, without doubt, the best players in the world and an excellent team, despite the negative results that they have had in some games."