ONWARDS AND UPWARDS FOR RONALDO

Ronaldo - vows to keep improving.

Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to continue his improvement next season.

The Manchester United winger, 23, collected the prestigious award voted for by the Football Writers' Association at a gala dinner in London on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old Portugal international - who was also named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - topped the poll of journalists ahead of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.

Ronaldo, who also won the accolade last season, netted an outstanding 41 goals during the regular season, including 31 in the Barclays Premier League as United beat Chelsea to the title.

The two clubs go head to head in the Champions League final in Moscow next week, and both managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Avram Grant were at the Royal Lancaster Hotel this evening to see the brilliant winger presented with his trophy.

Ronaldo maintained he had every intention of bettering his performance next season.

Following a tribute from former Manchester United and England midfielder Bobby Charlton, Ronaldo said: "I am very happy to win this award. It is very important for me to win again, but most important is the collective awards (of the team).

"I am still going to want to win more, to carry on like this, I will not stop because I have these two awards.

"Next season I will try to do my best again.

"I have improved every season and will try to improve next season.

"I am enjoying my football, and want to carry on."