The Portugal international won the award ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres.
“It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child,” he told France Football.
“Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it.
“I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me.
“I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.
“But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates.
“This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will wake and I will say to myself, ‘I want to be even better’.”
