London, Dec. 3 : Manchester United and Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that winning the Ballon d’Or award will not put added pressure on him to perform.

The winger was handed the prestigious award yesterday to crown a phenomenal 12 months in which he scored 42 goals last season to help his club retain the Premier League title and win the Champions League.

Ronaldo, 23, said: “I always play with pressure because people always expect a lot from me and I don’t think that will change. Winning this award makes me feel very happy inside. Of course I can improve — there are many things I still need to learn. You can never let yourself think you know everything.”

He is only the third Portuguese player to win the award, after legends Eusebio and Luis Figo. (ANI)