Man City's De Bruyne named PFA Player of Year for 2nd straight season

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the second successive year, the PFA announced Sunday.

"You talk about two legends in the game – one of the best strikers ever [Thierry Henry] and one of the top two players in the world [Cristiano Ronaldo], so to do the same thing as them is crazy. I really enjoy playing in this team. I signed a new contract knowing the playing style," De Bruyne said on the club's website.

"I am really happy here. We compete for every trophy, and that suits my competitive nature. The team has been unbelievable and push me to my best level every day," he added.

Clinching the main award for two consecutive seasons is a feat only previously achieved by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and French legend Thierry Henry, PFA said in a statement.

De Bruyne, 29, has scored 10 goals and 18 assists in 40 games for Man City.

Also, another City player, Phil Foden, has clinched the PFA Young Player of the Year award after a superb 2020/21 season.

Foden, 21, became one of City’s most important players, playing 50 times in all competitions and producing 16 goals and 10 assists.

Both players led the Sky Blues to claim the English Football League (EFL) Cup and advance to the UEFA Champions League final.