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Above: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the Champions League triumph with teammates in May this year at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow PIC/AP

Cristiano Ronaldo has warned opposing teams he will continue to improve after winning the prestigious Ballon D'Or.

The Manchester United winger was on Monday night named as European Footballer of the Year, succeeding 2007 winner Kaka.

Ronaldo grabbed 77 votes from the 96 football journalists polled, after he scored 42 goals in United's Premier League and Champions League winning season.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi came second, with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres rewarded for his lightening start to life in England with third spot.

The 23-year-old, becomes the third Portuguese player to lift the famous trophy after Eusebio and Luis Figo, with George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton the previous winners at Old Trafford.

'Beautiful day'
He told The Sun, "It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child.

"Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it.
 
"I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me.

"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.

"But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my teammates.

"This trophy is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I
will wake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."

Ronaldo's stunning season has already seen him named player of the year by FIFPro, the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers last season.

All you wanted to know about CR...

2002: Makes debut for Sporting Lisbon at age 17.

2003: l Scores in pre-season friendly against Manchester United before moving to Old Trafford in a 12.42m pounds transfer.

2006: In Aug, CR first reveals interest in moving to Spain after being linked with Real Madrid.

2007: l Agrees new five-year United contract.

2008: On March 19, scores twice in 2-0 win over Bolton, taking his total for the season to 33 goals and so beating George Best's record for most goals in a season by a United winger.

In May, helps United to Premier League title.

On May 21, heads United in front in Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow. Misses in shoot-out but United still win on penalties. Ends season with 42 goals.

On Nov 15, scores 100th United goal against Stoke.

High praise...

Ronaldo is the best player in the whole of Europe. The things I have seen him do since I have been in Manchester have been incredible.  This kid will one day arrive at the very top in the world of football  if he isn't there already because he makes the most difficult plays look easy. -Henrik Larsson

There've been few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it's a compliment to me. -The late George Best

After we played Sporting, the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly and on the plane they urged me to sign him. That's how highly they rated him! 
- Sir Alex Ferguson

When Ronaldo gets the ball, you can just leave him to it while he beats player after player!
 - Ryan Giggs

DID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo kisses the cross around his neck three times before playing a match and always wears it during matches.