Kaka : Ronaldo is top star

Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be crowned European Footballer of the Year, according to his main rival for the prestigious award.

Ac Milan and Brazil star Kaka, who is vying with Ronaldo for the accolade, reckons the Manchester United winger should beat him to it after his outstanding displays for club and country.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be revealed on December 2 when Ronaldo hopes to join the illustrious list of past winners, which includes United greats Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.

And Kaka, who inspired AC Milan to Champions League glory last season and is the bookies' favourite to pick up the award, claimed Ronaldo - who scored 23 goals last term - would get his vote.

"I would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world," said Kaka. "Not just for his quality, but also as he has been able to do so well with Portugal.

"Lionel Messi of Barcelona is also a great player, but he has not won any titles this year."

Ronaldo has continued his superb form of last season during this campaign with 10 goals for United and a host of assists, as well as maintaining his scoring exploits for Portugal in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

But Ronaldo, 22, who scooped every individual award in England last season, said he is more interested in winning team honours with United than solo recognition.

"Someday I would like to be voted the best in the world, but it is not an obsession," said Ronaldo. "That's not what drives me.

"During the past few months I have heard it mentioned. For me, that nomination would be a dream come true. But I don't think about it when I get up every day for training.

"Whatever has to happen will happen naturally. If Manchester United are doing well, I will do well. The greater the success of United, the greater the success of each of their players.

"More than any individual title is the feeling my work is appreciated. If, one day, one of these awards is destined for me, it will be welcome and I will be there to receive it."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Ronaldo would be a worthy winner. "The season Ronaldo had was unbelievable stuff," said Fergie.

"Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best all won the European Footballer of the Year award, which was unique coming from one club.

"If any of our lads achieved that, it would be fantastic for us as a football club. Ronaldo is a match-winner, like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez."

Ronaldo paid tribute to the role Fergie has played in his development as a player and reckons the United boss will be a hard act to follow when he eventually steps down.

Fergie's No.2, Carlos Queiroz, has been touted as a possible successor, and Ronaldo would welcome his fellow Portuguese taking over. "I have a great relationship with Carlos and I know all the squad like him," said Ronaldo.

"Sir Alex has been at the club for 21 years. It will be very hard to replace him on many levels."

HOW BIG PRIZE ELUDED UNITED
Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best all won European Footballer of the Year during the 1960s - but no Manchester United player has lifted the Ballon d'Or since Bestie in 1968. Here are the near-misses...

1971 George Best 3rd. Winner: Johann Cruyff (Ajax)
1992 Peter Schmeichel 5th. Winner: Marco van Basten (Milan)
1993 Eric Cantona 3rd. Winner: Roberto Baggio (Juventus)
1999 David Beckham 2nd. Winner: Rivaldo (Barcelona)
2001 David Beckham 4th. Winner: Michael Owen (Liverpool)

KAKA'S 2007 CREDENTIALS
Won Champions League
Leading CL goalscorer
16 goals in 41 games

RONALDO'S 2007 CREDENTIALS
Won Premier League title
Fa Cup finalist
22 goals in 46 games

Read more...