RONALDO BACKS MOURINHO

Cristiano Ronaldo has praised coach Jose Mourinho after he was awarded the 'FIFA Coach of the Year' Award.

Having won an unprecedented treble with Inter (Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Champions League), Mourinho was odds on to win the award. He joined Real three days after winning the Champions League Final.

Ronaldo has been impressed with Jose so far. "Those who are the most professional are those who succeed the most in life," the Portugal international told RealmadridTV. "It happens with both players and coaches, which is why I knew he would win. Any other result would have been unjust.

"He won three important titles. No one was more deserving. I am very happy for him. Mourinho and his staff are very professional. I was shocked when I began working with them because they only motivated me to work even harder.

"I always wanted to work with him; not only because he is the best, but also because he is Portuguese and his past success. That dream came true and now I hope he can win all that he won with Inter, Porto and Chelsea with Real Madrid. It isn’t a coincidence that he has won so many titles over the last five or six years.

"I have learned so much in the little time we have spent together. I learn something new every day. I feel more complete than ever and I want to continue learning because Mourinho is one of the reasons behind our success. I feel very comfortable working with him at Real Madrid."