Prize-winner Zaha lauds fans

May 16 2017

Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha has paid tribute to the Crystal Palace supporters after winning the Player of the Year award.

Zaha has arguably had his best season for the Eagles by contributing with seven goals and nine assists so far and he wins the trophy for a second successive season.

He set Palace on their way to a crucial triumph against Hull City on Sunday by scoring the opener in the 4-0 success which guaranteed the team's Premier League safety.

Zaha said: "The season has been a hard one but I am glad the fans stuck by us. It means so much to me to win the award and I am buzzing.

"We couldn't have done it without the fans, they are cheering us on constantly and this win today is for them, we appreciate everything they do."

Zaha beat Andros Townsend, Christian Benteke, Yohan Cabaye, Jason Puncheon and on-loan Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho to the top honour.

The 24-year-old scooped the club's Young Player of the Year award in 2011 and 2012.

The Academy Player of the Year gong went to Kevin Gonzalez, while Scholar of the Year prize was given to fellow midfielder Kian Flanagan. Ellie Bailes won the Palace Ladies Player of the Year.