Portugal coach Fernando Santos says Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo deserved UEFA's The Best award last week.

Ronaldo was beaten to the gong by former Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, much to the anger of the Portuguese's supporters.

Santos said: "It was for me, the Best award should have been given to him (Ronaldo).

"I voted for him, second place Luka Modric, then there's not just me, public, journalists, other coaches.

"Modric is great, but Cristiano deserved it for what he did last season."