Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has picked up his second individual award of the season after being named the Football Writer’s Association (FWA) footballer of the year.
The 24-year-old forward topped the poll of journalists with 81% of the vote, with Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba following in a distant second place and Rooney’s former teammate Carlos Tevez (now of Manchester City) in third.
Rooney has led United’s charge by example this season, scoring a personal record haul of 34 goals in all competitions along the way, and will lift his award at the FWA’s gala dinner at The Lancaster London Hotel on May 13th.
The England man remained humble upon hearing the news;
“I am delighted to win an award with so much history and tradition and to follow a long line of wonderful players who have been honoured by the Football Writers’ Association since 1948 gives me real pride.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching staff and my team-mates, without whose help and support this award would not have been possible.
Also a big thanks to my family and friends for their constant support which is always appreciated.
I thank the Football Writers’ Association members who voted for me and I look forward to personally collecting my award at the Footballer of the Year dinner in London.”
FWA Chairman Steve Bates – chief football writer for The People – said on announcing the award;
“Wayne is a worthy winner of our prestigious award and the margin of his victory is testimony to the marvellous season he has had for club and country.
His tally of 34 goals so far this season is certain to have captured the attention of our members, but I am sure the overall improvement in his game at Manchester United has been of equal significance.
Wayne’s enthusiasm, hunger and desire mark him out as a special player and we hope he can carry his club form onto the international stage in the World Cup this summer to help England achieve their dream.
We now look forward to saluting Wayne at our dinner.”
The bestowal of the Writer’s Award comes five days after Rooney was named Player of the Year by the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA).
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