Arsenal striker Robin van Persie picks up PFA Player of the Year award

London, Apr 23 (ANI): Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was awarded the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) Player of the Year award, at a ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House.

The Dutch international, who scored a total of 27 Premier League goals this season said he was proud to be honoured with the award.

“If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it. It is a big honour,” The Telegraph quoted van Persie, as saying, who gave the credit for the award to his Arsenal team-mates.

“Without them I could not have achieved it,” he said.

Manchester City had four of their players named in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year : Joe Hart was selected between the posts while there were also places for defender Vincent Kompany and midfielders Yaya Touré and David Silva.

However, Wayne Rooney was the only representative from Manchester United, while there were no representatives from Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea.

Tottenham’s Kyle Walker was named the Young Player of the Year, and Everton full-back Leighton Baines was rewarded for another impressive season with a place in the team.

Champion Reading’s defender, Ian Harte secured a place in the Championship Team of the Year, whereas Southampton have goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, midfielder Adam Lallana and forward Rickie Lambert in the team.

Interestingly, Ched Evans, who was convicted of rape earlier this week, was named alongside Sheffield United team-mates Harry Maguire and Stephen Quinn in the League One team.

Newcastle who have reportedly been a ‘surprise package’ of the season, were represented in the XI by Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini. (ANI)