Ronaldo receives shared Golden Boot award

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Golden Boot award as Europe’s top goal scorer for the 2013-14 season.

The Real Madrid star was recognised after scoring 31 Liga goals last season, meaning he shares the award with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, who matched his total while still with Liverpool.

Ronaldo received the award from club president Florentino Perez and said in a speech that he hoped to stay at Real Madrid for a number of years.

The Portugal captain said he plans to be remembered as one of the best players of all time, as he was presented with the award.

This was a third award for Ronaldo, who also won the prize when at Manchester United in 2007-08 with 31 goals and earlier in his Madrid career in 2010-11 with 40.

“Winning the third Golden Shoe feels just like winning the first,” Ronaldo said.

“I am very happy, this is a very special day. I always try to do things well, not just last season. I always want more. The last five years my numbers have been very good. The last two were a bit better.

“I am not happy with being the best in Portugal. I want to be the best ever, I will work to do that. Then it depends on each individual’s opinion. In my profession I want to be always the best, I am making my history step by step. When my career ends I want to look at the statistics and see that I am among the best players ever. I am sure I will be,” he said.

Ronaldo also gave a hint that he and his agent Jorge Mendes would be open to talking to Madrid president Florentino Perez about extending the current contract signed just over 12 months ago.

“We must speak with Florentino Perez about renewing, but I am very happy,” he said.

“I have a contract until I am 33, then we will see if the ‘presi’ wants me for a few more years. Every day I feel that the fans love me more. I promise them I will give my best on the pitch. My passion, my goals, my assists, my games. I have many years left at Madrid.”

The ceremony in the Spanish capital was attended by Ronaldo’s mother and son, as well as Madrid teammates including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale.

Ronaldo is on course to retain the FIFA Ballon d’Or when the winner is announced in January.