I am the best - Ronaldo takes aim at his critics

Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has won the best Portuguese player of 2017 in an award gala, but it was the swipe that the current Ballon d'or winner threw at critics that made the news.

Ronaldo beat beating Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio and Manchester City star Bernardo Silva to be named the best Portuguese player of 2017.

After an average start to this particular campaign the 33-year-old has recently hit his stride, especially in the Champions League.

And Ronaldo is adamant that he is the best footballer on the planet though many would want to give that position to Lionel Messi.

In his acceptance speech after the
award, he said: "I always believe and say that I am the best,"
"Whatever they say, and then I show it in the field. We are in the fight year after year.
"We have to defend what is ours because there is always a Portuguese in the fight." He added: "I am grateful for this award to
all those who are here," "It is also an award for all my colleagues, 2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable
both collectively and individually.
"I also won my fifth Ballon d'Or and my second The Best award.

"I also dedicate it to my four children. That's another record – three children in three months."

Ronaldo scored four times in a 6-3 win over Girona on Sunday, marking the 50th hat-trick of his career for club and country.

He netted 42 goals in 46 games in all competitions in 2016-17, while he has 37 in 35 so far this season.