Sterling: It is an award that I will cherish
Raheem Sterling cannot wait for tomorrow’s Premier League title decider after the “massive honour” of picking up the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.
A stunning season with Manchester City and England has been complemented by impressive work off the pitch fighting racism in football and society.
Sterling’s heroics saw him crowned PFA Young Player of the Year and then voted as the FWA Footballer of the Year, which the 24-year-old picked up at the Landmark Hotel in London on Thursday.
“It’s a massive achievement, a massive honour,” he said. “To be recognised is always a lovely feeling, especially by the writers. It makes it even more special.
“It is an award that I will cherish, especially with the people that have won it before me so I am really, really glad and proud.”
Sterling collected 62 per cent of the poll by FWA members and beat Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk to the award by over 100 votes.
He will be hoping to get the better of the Dutchman once again tomorrow, when the most fascinating title race in years goes down to the wire.
“We know how big an occasion it is,” Sterling said. “But I’d much rather be on our side, to know if we win the game, it’s ours.”
Sterling is the first City player in 50 years to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award, following on from Tony Book sharing the accolade with Derby’s Dave Mackay.
“Precept and example” have long been considered when voting for the award — values that Sterling boasts in abundance.
“You have young kids who do follow you and do look up to you, and you need to try and set the right example for them and the next generation coming through for sure.
“Certain subjects that I have spoken about this season has been touchy but at the same time I thought it was needed and I tried to do my best to address it in a positive (way) and not come across aggressive or ignorant.”
Thursday night was a double celebration for City as England striker Nikita Parris collected the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year.