Tottenham Hotspur and Wales winger Gareth bale scooped both the Professional Football Players Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards on Sunday night.
The 23- year- old Welshman became the third player to win both accolades since Andy Gray (1976-77) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2006-2007.)
After his first triumph in 2010-11 seasons, Bale also joined the likes of Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Ronaldo as the only men to have won the main award twice.
“It is a massive honour. To be voted by your peers as one of the biggest thing in the game. It’s great to win it and I am delighted,” Bale said.
Bale was nominated along with five other Premier League players which included: Manchester United pair Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick, Chelsea duo Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, and Mr. Controversy himself Luis Suarez.
Bale continued: “When you look at the list there are some massive names on it but I couldn’t have done it without the team. They have been fantastic this year and so has the manager, so I would like to give them all a big thank you as well.
The other nominees have been unbelievable, they have been outstanding for their clubs and it’s a massive moment to win, especially as it’s both awards. It’s something that I’m extremely proud of.”
All six players were named in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year, along with David De Gea and Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United, Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City, Everton’s Leighton Baines and another Tottenham team- mate, Jan Vertonghen.
Bale’s track- record this season has been impressive, he almost single handedly kept Spurs in the race for European Champions League participation next season, scoring 19 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, including a goal- of- the- season contender at Upton Park and another in Tottenham’s first win at Old Trafford in 23 years.
Reflecting on the other players who he felt has made a big impression in the Premier League season so far, the Welshman said: “I think the same as everyone- Van Persie, Suarez, just to name two. They have been outstanding this season and it’s been a great season for everyone to watch. There is still some time to go.”
And on how he had built upon the 15 goals he scored last year, he explained: “It’s probably more shooting to be honest. I think I have come inside a lot more.
“I have a few less assists this year but I am in more scoring positions these days and has obviously helped my scoring tally as we have seen this season.
“The goal against Norwich was one of my favourites, the West Ham one… Those two are my favourites from this season.”
Bale won the Young Player of the Year award ahead of Christian Benteke, Danny Webeck, Jack Wilshere, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
Former Manchester United full- back Gary Neville won a PFA Merit Award.
Arsenal Kim Little claimed the women’s award.
