Real Madrid Champions League and Euro 2016 medals earn forward UEFA Best Player award

Since lifting the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo's career has been a steady flow of team and individual awards, but even the Portuguese icon had to admit that last season was particularly special and is perhaps why the club record goal scorer is happy to retire at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Club president Florentino Perez recently said that Ronaldo would end his career with the club, ending speculation of a move away and the 31-year-old certainly didn't disagree.

"Yes, that's what I want, I'm at the best club in the world and I want to retire here, at 41," perhaps exaggerating the length of time but not his intention.

"The aim is to extend my contract and stay."

Real Madrid just missed out on the league title last season but Ronaldo struck the winning penalty against city rivals, Atletico to capture the Champions League and later in the summer lifted the European Championship trophy with Portugal.

"It was an unforgettable year, at club level and internationally, collectively and individually, it was awesome," proclaimed the Madeira-born star.

These team honours undoubtedly helped pave the way for Ronaldo to earn the UEFA Player of the year award on Thursday.

"It is a very important trophy after winning the two most important competitions at club level and internationally, to win an individual award completes a remarkable year.

I have to thank my teammates from Madrid and Portugal, I am very happy."