Van Persie proud to win FWA award
Image courtesy of Action Images.Robin van Persie tonight accepted the 2012 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award at a gala dinner in London Lancaster Hotel.
The Holland striker, 28, topped the poll of journalists with a landslide victory ahead of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney in second place and his Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes third, with Fulham's Clint Dempsey fourth.
Van Persie's 35 goals in all competitions has helped propel the Gunners into the top four of the Barclays Premier League, leaving them on the brink of automatic Champions League qualification for next season.
Van Persie – who was also named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - collected the prestigious FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, this evening and admitted it was an unexpected honour.
"It makes me very proud to be here, I have seen the list [of previous winners], and for me, I never really thought I would be sitting here winning this trophy," Van Persie said.
"But even this season I was not really thinking about winning a trophy for myself, I was just playing because I love it and for Arsenal to finish as high as possible in the league.
"When I found out I had actually won it, I was a bit surprised, and was like 'what me? really?
"It makes me really proud to be part of that history."
Van Persie, who has yet to agree a new, long-term deal with the Gunners, revealed being honoured by both his peers and journalists alike was a humbling experience.
The Dutchman added: "The writers know everything about the season because they have seen every single game, analysed ever goal, every move, they know everything about you.
"They are doing interviews with me and other players, they get a clear picture of who is the best player, which is why it means so much that these guys have voted for me."
FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer at The People, paid tribute to the Gunners skipper.
He said: "Robin van Persie has had a quite magnificent season, excelling with consistent flashes of individual brilliance which have lit up the Barclays Premier League as well as bolstering Arsenal's season.
"It is hard to think of another player in the Premier League this season who has had such a galvanising effect on the team than Van Persie.
"The quality of van Persie's attacking play, both in terms of goals and movement, have often been breathtaking to watch and the landslide manner of his victory to win our prestigious award is an accurate reflection of his season."
Tags: Arsenal, Football Writers' Association, Footballer of the Year, Robin van Persie
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Hats off!! For rvp, well deserved
Congratulations RVP on a terrific season with Arsenal. As a dyed in the wool City fan I had hoped David Silva would get the recognition he deserves through this prestigious award. He was magnificent for City this year and has a similar impact to RVP for his team. It’s great for the premiership fans to have such talent on show week after week.
RVP, we are proud of you. You deserve all the accolades but please stay for more years. Thank you FWA.
If i can remember so well,last 2 season or 3 ag, Robin Van Persie said that”he wants to win the world best player in Arsenal”. And today we can see it is coming to Reality. All i can say is more power to ur elbow my captain. I love you
Congrants..rvp..ya deserve it guy.