Post by Taxigirl on Dec 23, 2003 10:18:35 GMT
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has been named as the 2003 European Footballer of the Year.
The Czech ace had been widely tipped to claim the Golden Ball and ‘France Football’ – who organise the award – have now confirmed his victory.
The former Lazio player won the majority of votes polled by a wide pool of the magazine’s European based journalists.
Arsenal's Thierry Henry came in second place, with Milan captain Paolo Maldini finishing third.
Nedved has had a stunning past 12 months where he was key in Juventus’ Scudetto triumph and his country’s successful qualification for Euro 2004.
The midfielder was also an influential figure in the Bianconeri’s march to the Champions’ League Final.
However, he was unfortunate enough to not feature in the Old Trafford showpiece because of suspension.
Nedved becomes the sixth Juventus player to win the award after the victories of Omar Sivori (1961), Paolo Rossi (1982), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Roberto Baggio (1993) and Zinedine Zidane (1998).
The 31-year-old also becomes only the second Czech to be honoured after Josef Masopust was given the accolade in 1962.
Final standings
1) Nedved (Juventus, Cze) 190 points
2) Henry (Arsenal, Fra) 128
3) Maldini (Milan, Ita) 123
4) Shevchenko (Milan, Ukr) 67
5) Zidane (Real Madrid, Fra) 64
6) Van Nistelrooy (Manchester United, Hol) 61
7) Raul (Real Madrid, Spa) 32
8) Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid, Bra) 27
9) Buffon (Juventus, Ita) 19
10) Beckham (Manchester United/Real Madrid, Eng) 17
11) Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Bra) 11
12) Larsson (Celtic, Swe) 6
13) Deco (Porto, Por) 4
Del Piero (Juventus, Ita) 4
Dida (Milan, Bra) 4
Makaay (Deportivo La Coruna/Bayern, Hol) 4
Nesta (Milan, Ita) 4
18) Nihat (Real Sociedad, Tur) 3
Totti (Roma, Ita) 3
20) Ballack (Bayern, Ger) 2
Ibrahimovic (Ajax, Swe) 2
22) F. Inzaghi (Milan, Ita) 1
Koller (Borussia Dortmund, Cze) 1
Mutu (Parma/Chelsea, Rom) 1
Ronaldinho (PSG/Barcelona, Bra) 1
Toldo (Inter, Ita) 1
Nedved shocked by accolade
Juventus star Pavel Nedved insists he was surprised to learn that he had been awarded with the 2003 Golden Ball.
The Czech ace was highly fancied to win the accolade but he maintains that he was shocked to top the poll.
"I’m very surprised as I didn’t expect this at all," said the former Lazio man. "I really didn’t think that I would win it.
"I’m not a fantasy player like Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo or Ronaldo. I have different characteristics.
"My football is all about quantity. I’m not sure what could have convinced the jurors to vote for me."
Nedved admitted that he was pleased to have been named the European Footballer of the Year but maintained it would have no effect on his future.
"I’m obviously delighted to have won this prestigious award which is a great honour," he added.
"However, nothing will change as I will just continue to concentrate on doing well with Juventus.
"In fact, I would have liked the whole squad to be with me as this award is also thanks to them."
Nedved totalled 190 points, well clear of second placed Thierry Henry and Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
CONGRATS ;D