Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney claimed his second major award of a remarkable season yesterday when he was named Footballer of the Year for the first time by the Football Writers Association (FWA).
Rooney, who has scored 34 goals for United in all competitions this season, took 80 percent of the votes cast by members of the FWA.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was a distant second in the voting, with Manchester City’s Argentine frontman Carlos Tevez in third.
“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 honored by the FWA since 1948 gives me real pride,” Rooney said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching staff and my teammates, without whose help and support this award would not have been possible.”
Rooney, who was voted PFA Player of the Year on Sunday and also the Premier League’s fans’ Player of the Season this week, has successfully filled the void left by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, although the tail end of his season has been interrupted by injury.
He is unlikely to play in United’s final two Premier League games as they try and overhaul Chelsea at the top of the table because of a groin strain, having recovered quicker than expected from an ankle injury.
Rooney will be presented with his trophy in London on May 13.
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