Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko was named European Footballer of the Year today.
He becomes the second of his countrymen to win the title after Oleg Blockhin in 1975, who appeared for the then-Soviet Union.
The AC Milan striker took the award ahead of Barcelona pair Deco and Ronaldinho, who took second and third places respectively.
Arsenal’s Thierry Henry was next in fourth.
"I'm very pleased to have received this award," said Shevchenko.
"I want to dedicate this to the Ukrainian people. I offer this
'Golden Ball' to my people."
"It is difficult to speak of the situation in Ukraine, but it is
clear that people in Ukraine deserve democracy," he said in
reference to the current fragile political situation in the country.
The award is awarded by France Football magazine who take an annual poll of journalists from 52 European countries.
Shevchenko, 28, struck 24 goals in 32 games last season as Milan secured their first Serie A crown for five years. A double strike in yesterday's 6-0 win over Fiorentina took his league tally for this season to 11.
He is also in the running for FIFA's World Player of the Year, along with Henry and Ronaldinho, which will be announced next Monday.
