Ronaldo wins writers' award again

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Football Writers' Association footballer of the year for the second consecutive year.

The Portugal winger becomes only the second player - after Thierry Henry in 2004 - to retain the title.

And it follows the 23-year-old's PFA player of the year award on Sunday, which he also claimed last season.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth keeper David James finished second and third respectively.

Ronaldo's most recent award consolidates his position as the most highly-rated player in the English game.

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"To score 38 goals in a season - so far - is an astonishing feat for a winger," said FWA chairman Paul Hetherington.

"He did not exactly get 100% of the vote, but from the moment voting started he moved to the front and stayed there.

"Given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."

PREVIOUS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

• C Ronaldo (Man Utd) - 2007
• Thierry Henry (Arsenal) - 2006
• Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - 2005
• Thierry Henry (Arsenal) - 2004
• Thierry Henry (Arsenal) - 2003
• Robert Pires (Arsenal) - 2002
• T Sheringham (Man Utd) - 2001
• Roy Keane (Man Utd) - 2000

Ronaldo has been in inspirational form for United, who are on course for a Premier League and Champions League double, with only Chelsea challenging them on both fronts.

United are top of the league table from the Blues on goal difference with two matches remaining.

And the sides will also meet in the Champions League final in Moscow on 21 May.

Blackpool winger Stanley Matthews won the first Footballer of the Year award in 1948.

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