Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo was honored in his hometown of Funchal with a medal awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their professions or actions.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is photographed as he arrives at Quinta da Vigia in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira July 13, 2006. Ronaldo received the Regional Medal of Distinction on Thursday. [Reuters]

The head of the Madeira island regional government, Alberto Joao Jardim, gave the Manchester United winger the medal Thursday at a ceremony at the local city hall.

"It's a great honor for Madeira to have a young man like Cristiano Ronaldo and a great honor for the regional government to welcome Madeira's most famous man," Jardim said.

Jardim also had a word for the player about the media attention surrounding his role in the sending off of England striker Wayne Rooney during this month's World Cup quarterfinal.

"My dear Cristiano Ronaldo, what matters is what we are and what we know ourselves to be, regardless of what the press says about us," Jardim said.

The quarterfinal incident and Ronaldo's subsequent outspoken wishes to leave Manchester United _ where he is teammates with Rooney _ for Spain cast doubt over his future in the English Premier League.

Ronaldo thanked the president for the accolade.

"It is very important for me to be distinguished in my own home, by president Jardim," the 21-year-old said.