Lee Keun-Ho named AFC's player of the year

Ulsan Hyundai winger Lee Keun-Ho was crowned Asian footballer of the year on Thursday as officials bent their strict rules on attendance by giving an award to Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa in absentia.

Lee, 27, was rewarded for his heroics in Ulsan’s unbeaten run to the AFC Champions League title, when he faced down his fellow nominees, Iranian veteran Ali Karimi and China’s Zheng Zhi, to claim the top individual honour in Asian football.

“I’m kind of speechless. I’m extremely happy ... In my life this is the biggest prize ever,” said Lee, after receiving his award at a lavish ceremony in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The South Korean international scored the late winner against Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol in the Champions League’s round of 16, and was on target for three consecutive games before the 3-0 final win against Al Ahli, when he was man of the match.

“Without support from my colleagues from Ulsan Hyundai I wouldn’t be on this stage,” Lee told the crowd. “I thank my coach and my parents.”

Ulsan were also named team of the year after clocking up a tournament record nine straight wins on the way to their first Champions League title.

“After winning the AFC Champions League this is the icing on the cake and we are very proud to be the best Asian club,” said club president Kim Dong-dae.