Japan international midfielder Yasuhito Endo has capped a fine season by being named the 2009 Asian Player of the Year.
The 29-year-old Gamba Osaka star finished 20 points ahead of Al Khor'sSayed Mohamed Adnan and compatriot Kengo Nakamura of Kawasaki Frontale to walk away with the prestigious award for the first time in his career.
Endo played a pivotal role in helping Japan qualify for next year's World Cup finals whilst also guiding Osaka through to the last 16 of the Asian Champions League.
"This is a big honour for me," Endo said on the Asian Football Confederation's official website. "I am very happy to win this year.
"I hope I can be a role model for young players everywhere and give hope to others in Asian football."
Huh Jung-moo was named coach of the year after taking South Korea to the World Cup finals while Pohang Steelers were named team of the year for winning the Asian Champions League.
Endo played a pivotal role in helping Japan qualify for next year's World Cup finals whilst also guiding Osaka through to the last 16 of the Asian Champions League.
"This is a big honour for me," Endo said on the Asian Football Confederation's official website. "I am very happy to win this year.
"I hope I can be a role model for young players everywhere and give hope to others in Asian football."
Huh Jung-moo was named coach of the year after taking South Korea to the World Cup finals while Pohang Steelers were named team of the year for winning the Asian Champions League.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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