Zidane reason behind my best season, says Ronaldo

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has credited Zinedine Zidane's appointment as Real Madrid head coach as the catalyst for "one of the best seasons" of his illustrious football career.

Spain media reported an uneasy relationship between Ronaldo and Real's former manager Rafael Benitez, who was replaced the Frenchman in January this year, midway through the 2015-16 season.

Benitez drew plenty of criticism for a perceived negative style of football at Madrid.

But under Zidane, the club finished the domestic season by winning 12 straight games, losing out on the La Liga title just a point behind Barcelona.

The Los Blancos then lifted their 11th Champions League trophy in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final in Milan.

Ronaldo went on to clinch a first major international title with Portugal at Euro 2016.

The 31-year-old's success with club and country makes him the favourite to take home the Best Player in Europe award on Thursday.

And the former Manchester United star hailed Zidane's arrival for his success last term.

"We didn't start well last season, but the end was happy. I think everything improved with Zidane's arrival," Croatian newspaper 24sata quoted Ronaldo as saying.

"We won the Champions League and I was topscorer and that was probably one of the best seasons in my career.

"Looking at trophies only, it was sure my best season. I also won Euro 2016 with Portugal, which was an exceptional success for me."

Ronaldo is on the three-man shortlist for the Best Player in Europe award along with Real teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann.

The winner will be announced in Monaco at the Champions League draw.

But, while saying it is a "privilege" to be nominated, Ronaldo insisted team honours are more important than individual accolades.

"It is privilege to be alongside Bale and Griezmann and fight for this award. Since this trophy has been introduced, I am always there, winning three nominations," the Portugal captain said.

"This is proof I've had a great season, not just individually but also with my teams. It was great to lift the Champions League trophy with Real,” he added.

"It would mean very much to me if I won the Best Player in Europe award. But it is more important that we won trophies as a team."

Lionel Messi won the Best Player in Europe award in 2015 but did not make it on to the three-man shortlist this year despite Barcelona winning La Liga and Argentina reaching the Copa America final.