Post by Salem6 on Nov 28, 2006 10:20:05 GMT
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 27 Nov 2006
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Fabio Cannavaro has been voted European Footballer of
the Year, with Gianluigi Buffon second and Thierry
Henry third.
Experienced centre half Cannavaro has claimed the
coveted Ballon d'Or award after captaining Italy to
World Cup success.
He also led Juventus to the Serie A title before the
Italian giants were stripped of the honour for their
role in the match-fixing scandal.
After the World Cup finals, Cannavaro followed his
former Juve coach Fabio Capello to Real Madrid and he
had been widely tipped to win the prize.
Cannavaro was delighted to be voted the 2006 winner
and he becomes just the third defender to be named
European Footballer of the Year after German duo Franz
Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.
"Of course I will bring this trophy back to Madrid,
but I would also love to bring it to Turin," said
Cannavaro.
"My season at Juventus was just outstanding. I played
37 matches and scored four goals, all decisive."
He also offered his gratitude to his team-mates,
adding: "It is thanks to them that I have been able to
show my qualities on the pitch.
"So I want to thank my Juve team-mates and all my
colleagues from the Nazionale."
Second spot in the voting went to Buffon, who was
Italy's keeper at the World Cup and opted to stay at
Juventus after the club's demotion to Serie B.
Arsenal captain Henry took third place after inspiring
The Gunners to the UEFA Champions League final, and
also helping France reach the World Cup final.