The 29-year-old was handed the accolades by the European
Association of Sports Journalists (UEPS) and their global counterparts (AIPS).
Neuer was grateful to receive the award on the night, and
credited his teammates in both the national team and club side for all the
backing they have given him.
“I’m very grateful for being chosen for these awards, but I
couldn’t have done it without my team-mates,” said Neuer, as quoted by the
Official Bundesliga site.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has become only the third
footballer to win the continental prize since its inception in 1983 – the
previous winners were Michel Platini (1984) and Lothar Matthäus (1990).
The other nominees for the award where 2014 Ballon d’Or
winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Rodger Federer and world number 1 tennis star Novak
Djokovic.
The UEPS president Yannis Daras believed Neuer made a
lasting impression at the World Cup and he insisted that he deserved this award
due to his performances for both club and country.
“Those who saw him play in the World Cup were left with a
lasting impression,” said UEPS president Yannis Daras.
“His nomination for this award comes as a result of his incredible performances, the way he conducts himself on the pitch and how he interacts with the media.”
Reported by footballlive.ng
No comments:
Post a Comment