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Juan Mata has been named Chelsea‘s player of the year in his debut season with the club. The 24-year old has added a new flair to the ageing Chelsea side and provided creativity aplenty since his transfer from La Liga club Valencia last summer.
Mata became the first new arrival at the club to pick up the prize in his debut season since Ruud Gullit in 1996. The Spaniard beat Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires to win the accolade. Expressing his gratitude to his team-mates and the Chelsea fans, Mata said:
“I just have to say thank you. It is my first season here so it is even more special for me and I want to say thank you to my team-mates and the staff and all the people who voted for me. I am realising what it means to play for Chelsea.
I didn’t expect it but I have had the opportunity to play a lot of games and enjoy English football. It has been an amazing season as we won the FA Cup in my first year and we have the chance to win the Champions League. It is history for this club and I will never forget this season.
My debut was a dream debut with a goal and a win against Norwich and the FA Cup final is the other highlight. Here the games are more box-to-box and I had to adapt physically but I think I improved a lot and I wish next season will be better for us and for me as well.”
25 year old Brazilian midfielder Ramires was awarded with the goal of the season for his exquisite chip over a hapless Victor Valdes in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. This was Ramires’ consecutive goal of the season award. A year ago his stunning individual effort against Manchester City at home won him the award.
The Players’ Player of the Year Award, chosen by his fellow professionals at the club, also went to Ramires. Meanwhile, 18-year old Brazilian attacker Lucas Piazon was named Young Player of the Year.
