body-container-line-1

Juan Mata named Chelsea's player of the year

By Chelseafc.com
Sports News Juan Mata, won Chelsea Player of the Year
MAY 11, 2012 LISTEN
Juan Mata, won Chelsea Player of the Year

Juan Mata has been rewarded for the entertainment he has provided in his first Chelsea season by the fans voting him the club's Player of the Season.

The Spanish playmaker becomes the first new arrival at the club to pick up the accolade in his debut season since Ruud Gullit in 1996.

'I just have to say thank you,' Mata said.
'It is my first season here so it is even more special for me and I want to say thank you to my team-mates and the staff and all the people who voted for me. I am realising what it means to play for Chelsea.

'I didn't expect it but I have had the opportunity to play a lot of games and enjoy English football. It has been an amazing season as we won the FA Cup in my first year and we have the chance to win the Champions League. It is history for this club and I will never forget this season.

'My debut was a dream debut with a goal and a win against Norwich and the FA Cup final is the other highlight.'

'Here the games are more box-to-box and I had to adapt physically but I think I improved a lot and I wish next season will be better for us and for me as well.'

The other nominated players in contention for the Player of the Year Award were Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires.

Ramires won the Chelsea Goal of the Season award for the second year running.

A year ago his stunning individual effort against Manchester City at home was the fans' choice. This year his never-to-be-forgotten chip after Frank Lampard's pass in Barcelona to help knock the European champions out of the Champions League was the popular choice.

The Players' Player of the Year Award, chosen by his fellow professionals at the club, also went to Ramires.

'It is really special to receive this in my second year here and I hope to win it again,' was his response.

In the first honour handed out at Thursday evening's at Stamford Bridge, Lucas Piazon was named Young Player of the Year.

The 18-year-old Brazilian attacker was part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup Final just 24 hours earlier.

body-container-line