CRISTIANO RONALDO scooped another prize at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Thursday and he revealed how he snubbed a move to Juventus.
It was a night that reflected Real Madrid’s dominant 2017, with their talisman and manager Zinedine Zidane both being recognised.
The Galacticos were named as the best team of the year after winning five trophies throughout the last 12 months.
That led to Frenchman Zidane being named as best coach, and he was on hand to collect his accolade in person.
He said: “I want to say thank you, I am representing the club and the president, it is an honour for me and the club and it shows that things are functioning.”
And on his prize, he added: “All the players are incredible and I congratulate all of them, this is for them and not me.
“Thanks also to the other coaches, I have won a lot but it is a difficult job.”
Ronaldo was unable to attend the bash in person, but he revealed his delight at finishing above Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar to win the personal gong via video message.
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The Portuguese superstar said: “I have a lot of time for the awards. For me it is a special moment and I am very happy. Thanks to my colleagues, trainer and to Real Madrid. It was an incredible year.”
He was presented with the trophy by Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero, and Ronaldo discussed why he turned down the chance to become his team-mate in Italy and opted to sign for Manchester United instead.
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He said: “Many clubs were interested in me, but the key man as always was Jorge Mendes.
“He has always guided me in the right direction. Of course, I remember that he talked also about Juventus, and I was happy because they are an extraordinary club.
“He also talked about Real Madrid, Manchester United and many others. But the club that offered me the best conditions were United. It was a dream because as a kid I always wanted to play in the Premier League.
“United gave me this opportunity and for that I have to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and obviously Jorge helped me to arrive there.”
Meanwhile, Italy and Roma legend Totti was given an award after he called time on his illustrious career last summer.
He ended his playing days with over 600 appearances for his one and only club aged 40 after helping them to one Serie A title and two Coppa Italia triumphs in addition to being part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
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Barcelona icon Carles Puyol, who retired back in 2014, was also recognised.
There was also an award for the best league in the world, which went to Spain’s La Liga.
And Marcello Lippi, who guided his country to that World Cup triumph over a decade ago and the current boss of China, was presented with the Coach Career Award by Totti.
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