Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Football Writers' Association Tribute Award atau juga dikenali dengan FWA Tribute Award diberikan kepada individu yang banyak memberi sumbangan dalam bolasepak dan/atau pernah beraksi dengan cemerlang pada musim-musim sebelumnya. Football Writers' Association adalah persatuan wartawan bolasepak di England dan selain dari anugerah ini, mereka turut menyampaikan FWA Footballer of the Year sebagai acara tahunan.

Pemenang 3 kali FWA Footballer of The Year (2003, 2004, 2006) dan 1 kali FWA Tribute (2011)
Pada penganugerahan tahun ini, lagenda Arsenal Thierry Henry dinamakan sebagai penerima dan diraikan pada gala makan malam di The Savoy Hotel, London tanggal 16 Januari lepas. Pengerusi FWA, Steve Bates yang juga ketua penulis bolasepak akhbar The People, merasakan Henry adalah pemenang yang paling layak untuk menerima Tribute Award 2011.

Bates dipetik berkata:
Words like 'great' and 'world class' are often over-used in our industry, but tonight we are honouring a player for whom those superlatives are justified. Thierry brought style and grace to the Premier League, and a killer touch in front of goal. At three times during his eight years at Arsenal, Thierry was named FWA Footballer of the Year. We (journalist) are not an easy bunch to please, and that is a unique feat which still to this day remains unbeaten, and may not be for some years to come.

Majlis kemudian diteruskan dengan pihak BBC telah menayangkan DVD perjalanan karier Henry dari mula hingga kini. Ketika menerima anugerah tersebut, Henry dengan penuh emosinya melihat kembali waktu beliau bersama Arsenal sambil terkenang beberapa rakan sepasukan beliau.

Ketika diminta berucap, Henry tidak lupa untuk berterima kasih kepada pihak wartawan yang memberi liputan terhadap karier beliau dan juga semua yang terlibat dengan Arsenal. Beliau dipetik berkata:
Nothing can ever top playing for Arsenal, the understanding I had with the fans, my team-mates and the boss - without him I would not be standing here right now. I know you guys all said it was a privilege to see me play, but I would also like to return that to you. Everything changed for me when I came to England. It was a real pleasure and privilege to play in this league at Arsenal. Thank you for everything.

Arsene Wenger turut meluangkan masa untuk memberi penghargaan secara peribadi kepada bekas anak didik beliau dan percaya Premier League mungkin tidak dapat lagi melihat pemain seperti Henry. Beliau dipetik berkata:
During his career with Arsenal, Thierry won the FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and each was justly deserved because during those seasons, there was no better player in the Premier League. Thierry was really special. During his best period with Arsenal, he could make the difference at any time, and score anywhere at any moment. When he really had decided 'now I will do it', he always did it. Nobody could stop him.



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