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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo collected the Pichichi trophy for being the top scorer of La Liga alongside the Di Stefano award for Best Player of 2013/14 season.
The 29-year-old bagged his second top scorer trophy since his arrival at Spain in 2009 from Manchester United for a then record fee of £80 million. With 31 goals in the Spanish league last season, Ronaldo finished up as the top scorer 3 goals ahead of his adversary and FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi who claimed the prize for the previous two seasons.
Ronaldo humbled by Di Stefano comparison
And the Portuguese paid his homage to the late Argentine striker who died in July this year, at the age of 88, after suffering from a heart attack.
'I want to take advantage of this opportunity to say that it's too bad Don Alfredo Di Stefano can't be here to give me the award,' he said during the Gala.
Ronaldo was felt honoured by Real president Florentino President’s comparison after the latter referred to him as a 'dignified heir to Di Stefano.'
“I watched many videos of him because I didn't see him play (in person), and he was phenomenal,” he said. “Being connected to him is a privilege and an honor. It's something that motivates me to work more. I knew him personally since I arrived at Madrid, and to me he was an exceptional person.”
Ronaldo still trying to improve and get better
Madrid have been on a fantastic run of form lately after an edgy start to their season. They currently sit on top of the La Liga table and have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages with still two games left.
And much of their success can be credited to their mercurial winger, who has netted 23 times in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. With 18 goals from 11 games in La Liga, the Blancos attacker has admitted that he has been enjoying the form of his life but also insisted that he will work harder and continue to improve.
“Perhaps I am playing at my best, I am trying to improve on last year,” he said.
“I am happy, the team is playing well and getting better. My goal and assist numbers aren't bad.”
