Cristiano Ronaldo beams with joy as UEFA awards him with special prize in honour of his all-time Champions League scoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo was very happy when he received an award for the all-time top scorer in the Champions League.

Ronaldo, who has scored 140 times in the competition, was presented with the award ahead of the first draw for the league stage in Monaco.

After receiving the award from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Ronaldo said: “For me it is a pleasure to be here. This award means a lot to me. The Champions League is the highest in football, the records speak for themselves, but to play in that competition is special. It is great to be here, I have great memories of the times I come to Monaco for this gala.

Although Ronaldo no longer plays in the Champions League, but for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he still has fond memories of the competition.

‘Our life is made of memories and I have some very good ones. Let’s see what the future holds. We always mention the first one, that’s the most special. I remember being in Manchester, scoring in the final, missing a penalty and that was so special.’

Cristiano Ronaldo received an award for the highest scorer in Champions League history

Ronaldo, who scored 140 Champions League goals, won the competition five times

The 39-year-old received the award from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in Monaco

As he mentioned, Ronaldo won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, when the Red Devils beat Chelsea on penalties in the final.

He won the competition four times with Real Madrid: in 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18.

Ronaldo also played in the Champions League for Juventus.

Lionel Messi, who was rival with Ronaldo throughout his career, is the second-best goalscorer in Champions League history with 129 goals.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is in third place with 94 goals.