Cristiano Ronaldo sent emotional message by ex-Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson at glitzy award ceremony after claiming Portuguese Player of the Year

SIR ALEX FERGUSON sent his former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo a touching message after he was crowned Portuguese Player of the Year for a tenth time.

Ronaldo beat the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves and Joao Felix to scoop the award.

Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned Portuguese Player of the Year for a tenth time

And the 34-year-old's former Old Trafford mentor Fergie was amongst the first to congratulate the ex-Real Madrid man.

In a touching video message, Ferguson said: "Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you’re going to have in Portugal.

"I’m really sorry I can’t be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United, how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman.

"I want to say to you, and your mother, and all your family, and all of your kids; well done.

"You have been an absolute pleasure for me to have known, to have worked with, and to have seen you progress into the footballer you were.

"So, good luck, have a great night, and well done."

Ronaldo's relationship with Fergie is well known with the Portugese claiming he "taught me everything" and that "he was like a father to me".

Ferguson signed an 18-year-old Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

He spent six years at Manchester United, playing 194 times.

Under the Scotsman's leadership, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the Champions League.