Sir Alex Ferguson has sent a special congratulatory message to Cristiano Ronaldo after he was named the Portuguese player of the year for a record 10th time.
The Manchester United legend was presented with the gong on Monday night at an award ceremony at the Carlos Lopes Pavilion in Lisbon.
Ronaldo beat compatriots Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves and Bruno Fernandes to the award after a sensational year which saw him win the Serie A with Juventus as well as the Nations League with his country.
Upon being presented with the award a video played in which legendary United manager Ferguson praised the forward who he mentored during his time in English football.
"Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you're going to have in Portugal," Ferguson said.
"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."
Speaking at the awards ceremony himself Ronaldo thanked those who voted for him and joked that Sporting Lisbon deserve their own award at next year's event.
"This world is so fast, with the social media, the press, it's been wild," Ronaldo said.
"It's been an extremely complicated year on a personal level. Don't let anyone pull you down.
"I can't help but mention that Sporting deserves a little prize. Next time."
