Liverpool striker Michael Owen has expressed his delight with picking up this year's European Player of the Year Award. The England international was honoured for his involvement in what has been a magnificent year for his club. Owen played an important part in helping Liverpool to a memorable Treble last season and they added two further trophies already this season, with the Charity Shield and the Super Cup. He also scored six times for his country during 2001 in just seven appearances, including that unforgettable hat-trick in England's stunning 5-1 victory over Germany in the World Cup qualifiers.
"We have had a great year at Liverpool in winning five trophies and I'm very happy to have won this award as well. Some fantastic names past and hopefully in the future are going to win this award so I am very happy and delighted to join that list. It's the highest privilege I can win as a player and I am over the moon to win it. I would like to thank the team and all the staff, everyone who is involved with Liverpool. It's their award too. Hopefully it will go on display with another five trophies," he said.
The Liverpool star is the first British player since Kevin Keegan to be honoured with the award. Keegan was named as European Player of the Year in 1978 and 1979. "I couldn't believe it when I first heard the news," explained Owen. "I knew I was one of the five players in the running, but it still seemed unbelievable to me. Add my name to those of Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Rivaldo, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan, and I'm extremely proud."
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
