Cristiano Ronaldo has said he was delighted to show off his Ballon d’Or award to the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, as they had a large role in him winning it.
The 28-year-old picked up the prize two weeks ago, seeing off competition from Leo Messi and Franck Ribery. The award recognised the outstanding 2013 Ronaldo had, scoring 69 goals in 59 games, and helping Portugal to the World Cup finals in Brazil.
The forward opened the scoring in the match against Granada, which Los Blancos won 2-0. It was his 40th of another prolific campaign.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said he was pleased to be able to share a moment with the fans and his team mates before kick off in which he showed them the award.
“It was a very special day. Because of everything that has happened and because I could show the Ballon d’Or to the fans. Throughout the year they have really helped to win it. It was a great afternoon and we also won. We will have a good night as leaders and tomorrow we will see what the other teams do” he stated.
The striker could well have scored more than one goal against the Andalucians, and went especially close with an spectacular overhead kick in the first half that was brilliantly saved by the visiting goalkeeper.
“It was bad luck. The keeper was just where the ball went. If he was a little bit further out he would not have seen the ball. But these things happen. It could have been one of the best goals of my career but I scored another and so it does not matter. I am happy,” Ronaldo said.
