Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo won two player of the year awards voted for by his fellow Premier League players on Sunday 22 April 2007.
Ronaldo won the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year and young player of the year at a dinner in London. He's the first man since Aston Villa striker Andy Gray in 1977 to win both awards in the same season.
Ronaldo beat Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for the honor, with United teammate Paul Scholes finishing third. The other contenders were United winger Ryan Giggs, Liverpool midfielder and last year's winner-Steven Gerrard, and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
"It is a special night,'' Ronaldo said. "It is amazing and a big honor for me to win trophies like this in the English Premier League. I am very proud.
"My colleagues have voted for me and that is fantastic because the players know the qualities of players.''
The 22-year-old Portugal international has been a key member of United's side this season as it bids to repeat its 1999 treble of English Premier League, European Champions League and English FA Cup trophies. He's scored 21 goals for United so far this season.
"I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation,'' Ronaldo said. "At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.''
Ronaldo's future at United was uncertain at the beginning of the season after he clashed with United teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup quarterfinal match between Portugal and England in July. He publicly considered leaving but was persuaded to stay.
"Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it,'' said Ronaldo, who signed a five-year contract April 13.
"I am still young and I am learning more every day. I have much time to learn more and improve myself. I try to improve all aspects of my football _ not only in training but also in games.''
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