Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he was surprised to be voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.
The England midfielder beat off competition from Manchester United's Ryan Giggs - the recently-crowned PFA Player of the Year - and Wayne Rooney.
"I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised," said the 28-year-old. "When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award."
He added:"It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.
"The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.
"It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.
"Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans."
Chairman of the FWA Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: "Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.
"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.
"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."
Comment 15 - 34 of 34
Congratulations Stevie, you have been in fabulous form this season, also wonderful to see fans from our fiercest rivals to also applaud your efforts this year, credit to them
Yep well done Steve i have to admit you and Torres have turned around Liverpool. You very nearly managed to correct all the stupid management decisions made by Raffa in the first half of the season. Its pretty clear who leads and inspires the Liverpool.
Definately the right choice!!
Congrats, Captain FANTASTIC. An honour well deserve to a humble 'pool.You will never walk alone.
Thoroughly deserved by Steven Gerrard, he is at his peak and a great player.
He may play for the wrong 'reds', but I have to admire class.
From a Man Utd fan.
Steve G got it all!!!
well done! Steve played better than Ronaldo or rooney.Giggs is an old man but he is good to ......still Liverpool ROCKS!!!!!!
James the maltese.
Stephen G you need not be surprised because you deserve all accolades this season. It has been long coming but as a man united fan, i'll hope this is the last.
I hope its big & shiney then he will have something to polish while locked up in his prison cell
Cont.
Giggs has done nothin to win the Pfa award
Well done stevie but SG should hav won the PFA Player of the year aswell
Congratulations Stevie G.
You will never walk alone.
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well deserved top player and i dont mind admitting he would be good at united dont think it will ever happen though which is a pity well done gerrard on the award
well done stevie G. you deserve it.
Cripes, a thread where as yet its been fairly friendly between LFC & MUFC supporters !! Whats going on ? Well done Stevie, a stirling effort this and every season.
I respect you Storm! You are a MU fan, but you concede that he deserved it! It's a great feature! :)
of course he is surprised, he plays with a team who forget the feeling of winning the title.
of course he is surprised, he plays with a team who forget the feeling of winning the title.
Well done Steve!!! You deserve this award more than any one else. The best player in the world. COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
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