Bayern star Robben named 2014 Dutch Sportsman of the Year
Munich - In-form FC Bayern München winger Arjen Robben has been voted Dutch Sportsman of the Year for 2014, becoming the first footballer to win the prestigious award since Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit in 1987.
'A special year'
Robben, who was instrumental to his country's third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, was unable to attend the award ceremony in Amsterdam on Tuesday due to Bayern's Matchday 16 clash with SC Freiburg, but accepted his prize via a video link after the match.
"[Winning this award] is fantastic," said the 30-year-old, who
scored his 100th competitive goal
for the German record titleholders in the 2-0 victory over the Black Forest club at the Allianz Arena. "I'm very proud. It's a huge compliment and it's great to be able to lift this trophy after such a special year." After helping Pep Guardiola's side to a second successive domestic double last season, Robben played a pivotal role in the Netherlands' march to the last four of the World Cup finals last summer and was awarded the Bronze Ball for the tournament's third-best player on the back of his impressive displays in Brazil. The former Real Madrid CF and Chelsea FC star has picked up for Bayern this season where he left off in South America, scoring nine and setting up a further three goals in twelve appearances for the
and helping the German record champions reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
