Nedved surprised by the award he got.

[Libaax-Sankataabte]

EUROPEAN footballer of the year Pavel Nedved has admitted that he believed that Arsenal striker Thierry Henry would be a more deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or.

 

The Juventus and Czech Republic midfielder was voted by journalists across Europe as the best on the continent in the poll organised by France Football magazine.

 

However, Nedved admitted he would have cast his vote for Henry, who was runner-up and also finished second last week to fellow Frenchman Zinedine Zidane in the standings for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

 

Nedved told journalists in a press conference in Paris: "For me, Thierry Henry is the best forward in the world now.

 

"I am very happy. I did not think I would beat Thierry Henry, Paolo Maldini or Zinedine Zidane and if I had voted I would have voted for Thierry and for the other players on the podium.

 

"I am very happy for myself, my wife, my children and country but I don’t know how I beat Thierry Henry or Zinedine Zidane."

 

The news will make amends for Nedved finishing only fourth in polling of national coaches for FIFA’s World Player of the Year award, which was won by Zidane.

 

Henry finished second in the European award, with AC Milan’s stalwart defender Maldini third, Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko fourth, and Zidane fifth.

 

Nedved won the award on the back of superb form for both club and country.

 

Juventus won their second successive Serie A title in 2003, and Nedved produced a series of outstanding performances in the Champions League as his side reached the final.

 

To his great regret, he was suspended for the final which Juve lost on penalties to Milan, but Nedved again shone in Euro 2004 qualification matches as the Czech Republic finished top of their group, above the Netherlands.

 

Referring to his targets for 2004 he named the Euro 2004 finals with the Czech Republic in Portugal and the Champions League as his priorities.

 

http://www.sport.scotsman.com/football.cfm?id=1404812003

[QUANTUM LEAP]

I believe he is one of the best midlfielders of his time...typical unsung hero.....On his day he can win the match single handed.

[Thinkerman]

His Humility is great to see, i can only assume that his humbleness is the key to his great performances that continue into this year.

 

A Triumph for football

 

BTW I told you so

[Thinkerman]

Capello Amazed!!!