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ASHLEY SURPRISED
Defender of Chelsea, Ashley Cole has been selected as player of the year by England fans.The Chelsea defender, along with Gerrard, was one of only two senior players to return from the World Cup in South Africa with their reputations intact. He has carried that form into the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, bolstering his reputation as one of the world's finest left-backs.
"It feels amazing. It came as a big surprise to me, I never thought I would get this award with all the other players who were in the running," Cole told FATV. "I never thought it would be me but I'm very privileged and proud and thankful to the fans. It's been hard for me at times but now I think I've got their appreciation and I'm very grateful."
The Chelsea defender has been targeted by rival fans over his private life and in October 2008 was booed by England supporters for his part in Kazakhstan's goal in their 5-1 defeat in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
"I think it's hard because every player makes a mistake on the pitch," he said. "But I don't think it was about that mistake, I think it was a more personal thing so it hurt me even more. But every time I put on an England shirt I try my hardest, I want to win and I think in voting me player of the year the fans are starting to see that."