Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Gerrard surprise at award

13 May 2009 - 12:17:47

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Steven Gerrard has spoken of his surprise after being named the Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The Liverpool captain saw off the challenge of six Manchester United players - Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick plus Chelsea's Frank Lampard - to win the award for the first time.

Speaking after becoming the first Reds player to win the award since John Barnes in 1990, he told the club's official website: "I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"But I've had fantastic help along the way from everyone at this football club.

"Individual awards are great but you don't win them without great help from those people."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has also paid tribute to his talismanic captain, who has scored 23 goals in 42 games this season.

He added: "I'm really pleased for Steven. It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.

"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved."