Robin van Persie beats Wayne Rooney and Co to PFA Player of the Year award

ARSENAL striker Robin van Persie has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, beating off a shortlist of Manchester City trio David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Joe Hart, Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

The 28-year-old Netherlands international has scored 27 Barclays Premier League goals this season for the Gunners – his most fruitful campaign for the club – and was humbled to be recognised by his peers.

“If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it,” he said. “It is very special because you are playing against them week in week out, and every single player does everything to win and in the end if they make up their minds that I’m the best player it is a big honour.”

The Young Player of the Year award went to Tottenham and England full-back Kyle Walker. The 21-year-old Spurs defender beat the likes of Aguero and Danny Welbeck to win the trophy and it came as quite a surprise to the former Sheffield United man.

“I was a bit surprised because defenders don’t normally get these awards and get the limelight as much as the centre-forwards,” he said.

The PFA Merit award was presented to Preston defender Graham Alexander in recognition of his services to the game, dating back to his debut as a Scunthorpe player in 1991.

The Scotland international went on to play for Luton, Preston and Burnley before returning to Deepdale in 2011 and was humbled with the award of the trophy.

“To get recognition for what you have done in your career at any stage is great,” he said. “I’m coming towards the end of my playing career and I’m privileged to be recognised by the people who I have played against for the last 20-odd years.”