"I feel very proud because my position is winger and to win the best forward is good for me, it gives me ambition to work good and better. Thank you everyone who voted for me, thank you to my team-mates, and good night."
And of the four separate winners, it was Ronaldo who won the overall award for best player. "To win this award is great for me," said the Portuguese ace. "I feel very proud, very good, to win this, because the Champions League is one of the best. Every player likes to play this competition and to be the best."
He again gave thanks to many, but for the second time neglected to mention manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was sitting in the crowd. "For me, is great, thank you everyone, thank you my team-mates, thank you to everyone, to all the players, it's great, it's good for me, I feel very happy."
Best Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Nominees: Manuel Almunia (Arsenal), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United).
Best Defender: John Terry (Chelsea)
Nominees: Jamies Carragher (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).
Best Midfielder: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Nominees: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Steve Gerrard (Liverpool), Paul Scholes (Manchester United).
Best Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Nominees: Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
