Cristiano Ronaldo got an early birthday present yesterday as the former Manchester United star was voted the greatest player to have graced the Premier League.
A survey conducted by Usurv showed Ronaldo, who turns 30 today, was the people’s choice, finishing ahead of Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs, who joined him on the fantasy podium.
Ronaldo was brought to Old Trafford by Alex Ferguson as a raw 18-year-old in 2003, and departed for Real Madrid in 2009 with three Premier League titles, a Champions League winners’ medal and an FA Cup, and as the reigning FIFA world player of the year.
The Portuguese superstar, who attained legendary status during his six-year spell at United, pipped Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and United great Ryan Giggs, who finished second and third respectively.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or picked up nearly 25 percent of the votes that were casted.
Henry claimed 18 per cent of the votes, five more than Giggs.
Of the rest, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard finished above Arsenal’s Dennis Bergkamp and Chelsea’s Gianfranco Zola in sixth spot.
Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira rounded off the top 10 of the survey.
However, there was one surprise omission as Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy failed to make the list.
