Gareth Bale was delighted to have been named alongside the fantastic players to have already won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
The Tottenham star has added the award to his PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year gongs for a masterclass 2012/13 season and he admitted that he was humbled to join a list which already contains Eric Cantona, Alan Shearer, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo to name but a few.
"When you look at all of the past winners, the legends of the game, this is a massive honour, and to be on the list with them now is a massive privilege," he said.
"You always dream of things like this, whether they come true or not is another matter, but now that it has, it is a massive achievement for me, but one I could have not done without my team or my manager.
"The team has been fantastic this season and we have played some very good stuff, it is always easier to play in a really good team.
"The manager has been fantastic for me, playing me in different positions where I am able to find the space and actually show my stuff. I have really enjoyed my football and been able to play well."
