Van Persie named PFA player of the year


Shanghai Daily, April 24, 2012

Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association player of the year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club's season.

The Dutch international, 28, tops the English Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start is in large part down to his stunning contribution.

"If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it," the skilful van Persie told a gala in London.

"If they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honor."

Without its captain, Arsenal could be languishing in mid-table and fans will shudder at the thought of who would score their goals if injury struck or he was tempted away in the search of trophies.

The London side has won just the 2005 FA Cup since he joined from Feyenoord in 2004.

Van Persie is the third Dutchman to win the award after Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02). He took the players' gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale won last season's award.

Spurs full back Kyle Walker was named young player of the year.