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Ronaldo targets world prize

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is driven to be named the world's greatest player.

The Portuguese ace missed on the prize last year finishing third behind Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Milan's Kaka.

Ronaldo has been in scintillating form for United again this season and he has netted a staggering 35 goals in his last 35 games.

The skilful attacker is being tipped to clean up on the awards front in England and Ronaldo admits he is obsessed about being recognised as the best player on the planet.

"The focus is on winning the Champions League and the Premier League. We have the opportunity to do that and we have the players," Ronaldo told the News of the World.

Aim

"But of course it's my aim to be the best in the world. I want to be the best in the world and that's what I work towards every day.

"But only God knows whether I will one day manage to win that prize which is so important for me as a player.

"The United team is playing very well at the moment but we need to be strong in the remaining games of the season and keep our concentration."

Ronaldo, who broke George Best's record for goals from a midfielder in one season with his double against Bolton earlier this month, says he is not bothered about breaking records and is only focused on success with United.

"It is winning the games which is really important," added Ronaldo. "The record doesn't mean much to me.

Records

"Records are not a priority of any sort because anyone who thinks about others comes off badly.

"More than not being obsessed, with records, I don't even think about them.

"I only think about playing well, helping my team to keep a good competitive level and winning.

"Each game will have an impact on the final outcome. It won't decide anything in itself, but the difficult battle that each game presents will help a lot towards the final outcome."

Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | News | Ronaldo targets world prize

Seriously, noone else comes close, if he doesn't get it then I'm inclined to agree with signor Totti in thinking it's a fix... or at least a farce.

Meanwhile Arbeloa has decided to chip in....

Arbeloa: Torres Deserves Award More Than Ronaldo

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa believes that club mate and compatriot Fernando Torres deserves the Player of the Year award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is the favourite to win this year's individual honours - both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year, as well as the PFA Player of the Year - on the back of a season that has seen him score 35 goals already, and provide nearly as many assists.

However, Fernando Torres is not far behind, also having netted 27 this season, which is already the best by anyone in his debut season in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has adapted seamlessly to life in the English top tier, something even the likes of Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba failed to do, and Arbeloa believes that the striker deserves to be named the Player of the Year despite Ronaldo's heroics.

"Ronaldo's confidence level is so high everything he tries seems to come off and he is a step ahead of everyone else at the moment," he began, speaking on the club's official website.

"Alex Hleb of Arsenal and Chelsea's Joe Cole have also caught my eye but Torres has been massive for us.

"He has created a lot of goals for himself and is on a par with the best and I am sure he will be voted Footballer of the Year ahead of Ronaldo.

"He is an idol who has earned his stripes, particularly at Anfield, where he has scored most of his goals."

Awards such as these are often decided by the results of top European competitions, and with both involved in the Champions League, as well as set to feature in Euro 2008, there is everything to play for.

Goal.com - Liverpool - Arbeloa: Torres Deserves Award More Than Ronaldo

This is Arbeloa speaking, arguably the most average player to feature regularly in any of the top 4 sides in England. What a mug...