Ronaldo pleased to end ‘dream year’ with another trophy

Cristiano Ronaldo has capped his “dream year” with yet more silverware as Real Madrid lifted the Club World Cup in Yokohama.

The Portuguese forward scored a hat-trick as the Spanish giants beat Kashima Antlers 4-2 following extra-time.

Ronaldo, who recently signed a new long-term contract with the La Liga side, netted from the penalty spot before bagging two more in the extra period to put another medal in his cabinet.

The 31-year-old has won the Champions League and Club World Cup with Real, Euro 2016 with Portugal and on a personal note he beat Lionel Messi to this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“It has been a dream year, really great,” Ronaldo said following the tournament in Japan.

Simmmm. Happy to win another 🏆 trophy. Well done team. Hala Madrid pic.twitter.com/Gqn6zoPMFT

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 18, 2016
“It is a week full of great moments after winning the Ballon d’Or and now the Club World Cup, so it really is a perfect end to the year.

“I didn’t think it would end like this: winning the final, scoring three goals and helping Real Madrid.

“I’d like to thank my team-mates yet again, because I cannot win individual trophies without them.

“It has been an unforgettable year both for the team and me as an individual. We won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. I also won the Euro with Portugal. It was a perfect year. I am very happy to end the year in such a way.

“This is the trophy we really wanted to end the year in the best way possible.”