The dream of an individual honour was finally realised for Giovane da Silva when the Eastern striker was named Footballer of the Year on Monday night.
The Brazilian, who first came to Hong Kong to join Sun Hei in 2007, beat 10 other nominees to scoop the coveted award.
It has been a great season for me, not only scoring many goals for my club, but I was also able to help the team in other positions
Giovane da Silva
"I thought I would have won the award in 2009 when I scored many goals," said the 32-year-old. "I am so happy it came true this time as this was my dream since I first came here.
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"It has been a great season for me, not only scoring many goals for my club, but I was also able to help the team in other positions. I also played as a second striker, sometimes on the flanks."
Da Silva admitted the award could have been sweeter had Eastern not gone down to Kitchee in Sunday's FA Cup final.
Giovane da Silva is named player of the year at a glitzy presentation on Monday night .Photo: SCMP Pictures
"If I could have won both, it would have been great," he said. "But the season is not yet over and we still have the [continental] play-off. Hopefully, I can help my club to make it."
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Da Silva, who has played for Eastern for the last two seasons, revealed he will be out of contract at the end of the month.
