Cristiano Ronaldo names his favourites to win this season's Champions League
- Ronaldo picked up several prizes at Friday's Globe Soccer Awards
- Portuguese striker offered thoughts on European football since his departure
- 38-year-old 'took pride' in scoring more than Erling Haaland in 2023
By Tom Gott
Cristiano Ronaldo has backed one of Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid to win this season's Champions League.
The 38-year-old Al Nassr striker was present at Friday's Globe Soccer Awards, where he won the Fans' Favourite Player of the Year, Best Goalscorer and Best Middle East Player prizes.
As he accepted his awards, Ronaldo fielded questions from those in attendance and was asked to give his thoughts on the race for this season's Champions League.
"Manchester City finally won the Champions League, they probably deserved it two years ago," he began. "I like watching how they play. They have a good chance to win the Champions League again.
"[City] are always at the top to be favourites, but it's always the same clubs: Bayern, Manchester City, Real Madrid."
Ronaldo's Best Goalscorer award came after he found the back of the net more than any other male player across top-flight football in 2023. The veteran forward bagged 54 goals for Al Nassr and Portugal last calendar year, two ahead of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe and four clear of Man City's Erling Haaland.
"I was the top scorer this season, imagine that I beat younger players like Haaland," he added. "I take pride in it, and I'm almost 39.
"I like it when people doubt me again, and then I succeed. Criticism doesn't affect me."
Ronaldo's Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League, seven points behind leaders Al Hilal, whose squad includes Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Renan Lodi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Bono and injured winger Neymar.
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