Not only was he named European Club Footballer of the Year and Best Forward, he was also praised by the man who once ruled the world of European football.

Michel Platini, now president of Uefa, Europe's ruling body for football, praised Ronaldo for respecting his contract by not joining Real Madrid.

'I spent my life respecting contracts. It is not worthwhile signing contracts if they are not respected,' said Platini.

'In modern football, contracts are not respected: it's all bonuses and agents, it's sad.'

He added: 'It's shameful to sign a three-year contract extension and then to be transferred straight after.'

42 goals

Ronaldo scored United's goal at the Luzhniki Stadium - his 42nd in all competitions in a prolific club campaign - and although he subsequently missed in the penalty shoot-out, United bounced back to become champions of Europe for the third time.

It completed a sensational season for Ronaldo, who finished as the Champions League's eight-goal top-scorer and also claimed the ESM Golden Shoe having struck 31 Premier League goals as United retained their title.

- Wire Services.