KEVIN DE BRUYNE has become the first Manchester City player ever to win the PFA Player of the Year award.
The £54million Belgium international enjoyed an outstanding season – even though his team came up short in the Premier League and Europe.
Kevin De Bruyne and wife Michele Lacroix have just had their third child Suri, adding to Mason Milian, four, and Rome, who will be two in October
Michèle Lacroix and Kevin De Bruyne’s third child, daughter Suri, was born on Saturday
KDB beat off competition from City team-mate Raheem Sterling and four Liverpool players to come out on top among his fellow pros.
It caps a memorable week for the former Chelsea man who has just become a dad for a third time.
He said: “It’s a huge honour. To be voted as best player by your colleagues and competitors from other teams who you play against is amazing.
“It’s strange that I’m the first one at City given all the good players that have played here before and who are still playing here – but it’s nice to represent the club.”
De Bruyne missed almost all of the 2018-19 campaign due to injury but bounced back to recapture his best form.
He (Guardiola) gives me a lot of freedom. I don’t know why, it’s just the way it goes between us and he knows I will always put the team up front
Kevin de Bruyne
And he believes the freedom given to him by manager Pep Guardiola has been crucial to his excellent form.
He said: “Most of the time Pep just lets me be me. We speak often about the team but in another sense he just knows when he gives the orders that I’ll listen.
“On the other side, he gives me a lot of freedom. I don’t know why, it’s just the way it goes between us and he knows I will always put the team up front.
“If I can help myself, I’ll do that, but he knows I want the team to win and if the team wins then I’ll gain from it.
“In that sense he feels perfectly fine and trusts me completely in this space.”
Man City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne says Pep Guardiola often giving him free reign helped win him the ‘huge honour’
Kevin De Bruyne’s Etihad team-mate Raheem Sterling was also in contention for the PFA awardCredit: EPA
Four of Liverpool’s title-winning players were also in the running, including centre-back Virgil van Dijk and England midfielder Jordan HendersonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane also made the final six.
But De Bruyne, 29, reckons he has changed his game a little in recent years and reaped the benefits.
He said: “I’m a little bit older now. I don’t go too much up and down, this is something that happens especially at the beginning of your career.
“I’m used to what I can do and what I can’t do so I just think I’m helping my team to win games and if you do that then people will vote for you I guess.
“I’ve been playing well, trying to be consistent with good performances.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was named PFA Young Player of the YearCredit: PA:Press Association
“I’m perfectly settled and have found a routine with my family where we are really comfortable, and everyone is happy.”
Guardiola led the tributes last night by saying he felt his midfielder – who is expected to be the new skipper this season – fully deserves it.
“There have been many great players in this club’s history, especially over the last decade working with Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and myself.
“We have won many titles, but Kevin is the first to receive this prestigious award.
“This recognition is also a tribute to all the fantastic players who have come before him.
“We are so proud of Kevin and this will only strengthen what he means to this club and our fans.
“From all the players, coaches and staff at Manchester City. I would like to congratulate him.”
Marcus Rashford was given the PFA’s merit award for his work fighting child food povertyCredit: PA:Press Association
Alexander-Arnold, 21, was crowd PFA Young Player of the Year after scoring four goals and providing 13 assists as Liverpool won their first-ever Prem title.
The England man said: “Being a part of the names that I’ve seen on here, and to be a part of such an amazing trophy and be able to receive it, is an unbelievable honour for me and my family.
“It’s something we’ll always be proud of.”
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford received the PFA’s merit award for his work tackling child food poverty.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
