Arsenal’s Chilean wingman Alexis Sanchez has been voted 2015’s player of the year by the Football Supporters’ Federation ahead of their awards bash on Monday night. 180,000 votes were cast with the former Barcelona superstar coming out on top.
Sanchez has been a standout success for the Gunners, inspiring them to a thumping 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup final as well as helping Chile to a first-ever Copa America title in the summer.
The 26-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, topped the poll ahead of runner-up (and man of the moment) Jamie Vardy, with Sergio Aguero, David De Gea, Harry Kane and John Stones also on the shortlist. While previous winners include Serio Aguero last year and Luis Suarez in 2013.
On hearing of his win, Sanchez said:
I’m delighted to receive the FSF Player of the year award. Personally, it’s been a great 2015 for me on the pitch with both my club and country.
Arsenal have enjoyed a good start to the season and it was disappointing to pick up this injury. But I‘m hoping to be back soon to help my team mates have another successful year.”
Football Supporters’ Federation Chief Executive, Kevin Miles, said:
Alexis is a fantastic player who has lit up the Premier League since arriving in 2014. He’s a constant threat and played a huge role in helping Arsenal win the FA Cup last season, including a goal in the final.
He’s scored almost a goal every other game since joining Arsenal, but it isn’t just his ability which has won over opposition fans, it’s also an innate toughness which British fans admire too.
Thierry Henry called him Arsenal’s best signing of the past six years – and we certainly wouldn’t disagree. He’s a worthy winner of the FSF Player of the Year Award 2015.
Here’s Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger picking up the award on behalf of his star attacker, who he’ll no doubt be desperate to have back in action as soon as possible.