Portuguese paper names Ronaldo sportsman of the year

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the second goal against Reading during their Premiership football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Ronaldo has been named as Portugal's sportsman of the year.

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named by as Portugal's sportsman of the year.

Leading Portuguese sports daily A Bola chose the player for his "important contribution to the expansion of Portuguese football across the world".

The 21-year-old international finished ahead of Benfica striker Nuno Gomes, the winner of the award last year, and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, who won in 2004.

"I'm very happy with what I've managed to achieve up until now," Ronaldo told A Bola after scoring two goals in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Reading in the English Premiership on Saturday.

"I've scored goals and helped my team win. I want to continue at this level in 2007."