Cristiano Ronaldo claims 2016 was ‘probably the best year of my career’ after he was named The Best Fifa Men’s Player during the awards ceremony on Monday.

“I have said it a few times: this has probably been the best year of my career,’ Ronaldo said after beating the world’s leading players to the prestigious title.

‘Having won the [UEFA EURO 2016] trophy with the national team obviously plays a big part in it – since it was a first for Portugal and this makes 2016 a very special year. But there is also Real Madrid winning the Champions League and then the Club World Cup to finish the year in the best possible manner. It was a spectacular year, a truly special one. I have no doubt that it has been my best since I have started to play football.

“I have no doubt that I am already a part of football’s history. This has always been my major goal, since I started playing: not only to become a player, but to be a star and constantly strive to be the best. And I did it: the trophies speak for themselves – both the titles, the individual awards, the records … It is a reason of great pride and it motivates me to keep on working the same way I have been doing so far.

‘It is the first time that FIFA organises this award and this makes it even more special. It is an enormous privilege for me.’

WATCH: Ronaldo: My best year