Ronaldo named Serie A player of the year again

Posted March 19, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo applauds during warmup before the Champions League, round of 16, second leg, soccer match between Juventus and Porto in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) The Associated Press

MILAN (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Italian league player of the year on Friday for the second successive time.

Ronaldo won the prize in 2019 after his debut season at Juventus. The awards did not take place last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ronaldo scored 31 goals in 33 league matches last season and helped Juventus to a record-extending ninth successive Serie A title.

'œAt the beginning it was hard to play in empty stadiums, but the aim was to win, and we did it,'ť the 36-year-old Ronaldo said.

'œI am happy and lucky. Persistence, confidence, work ethic, passion -- those are all the secrets that allow me to keep playing. I feel motivated and you have to be every year, otherwise you won't manage to win at 34, 35, 36 or 40 years old.'ť

Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli received the best female player of the year award.

Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini took home the prize of coach of the year and his side won team of the year.

Atalanta finished third in Serie A for the second straight season and also reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

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Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo plays with a ball during warmup before the Champions League, round of 16, second leg, soccer match between Juventus and Porto in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) The Associated Press

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after failing to score during the Champions League, round of 16, second leg, soccer match between Juventus and Porto in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) The Associated Press

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo talks with Juventus' goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, left, during the Champions League, round of 16, second leg, soccer match between Juventus and Porto in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) The Associated Press

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