Van Persie honoured to win award

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie says it is a ‘big honour’ to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Van Persie has had a magnificent season in front of goal, scoring 34 times in 43 appearances.

Van Persie beat off strong competition from Manchester City trio David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Joe Hart as well as Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and Spurs midfielder Scott Parker to take the award.

The Dutchman was also named in the team of the year alongside Rooney, and a host of Manchester City and Tottenham players.

“If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it,” Van Persie said.

“If they make up their minds that I’m the best player it is a big honour.”

Van Persie also acknowledged his Gunners team-mates for their contribution to his fine campaign and admitted that he had gained confidence as the season had gone on.

“Without them (Arsenal team-mates) I could not have achieved it – for example Theo Walcott, he has given me more than 12 assists and I do really appreciate that,” he said.

“To be fair, when I first went there I wasn’t really as confident and I wasn’t really sure I could do it.

“It took a bit of time but after a couple of months I slowly realised I could do a good job there.”

The Gunners skipper also drew praise for his performances this year with PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor adding: “He has been amazing, when you think of Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marco van Basten he is in that mould of absolutely top-class strikers that Holland manages to produce.”

Van Persie became the 17th player to pass 100 goals for Arsenal during the course of the season and also beat Thierry Henry’s Gunners’ record for most goals in a calendar year, but fell one short of Alan Shearer’s Premier League record.

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after an impressive first full season for Tottenham.

The 21-year-old made his international debut in England’s friendly against Spain back in November and then made his first start against Sweden, picking up the man of the match award for his efforts.

He also became a fans favourite at White Hart Lane after scoring the winning goal in a north London derby victory over Arsenal with a 25-yard strike.

Walker’s Spurs team-mate Gareth Bale and Manchester City striker Aguero were among the favourites to win the award.

Also nominated were Arsenal’s teenage midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge.