Football: Rooney voted England player of the year
Wayne Rooney has been voted England national team's player of the year for 2014.
LONDON (AFP) - England captain Wayne Rooney has been voted his national team s player of the year for 2014 after topping a supporters poll.
Although he failed to inspire England to success at the World Cup, it was still a memorable 12 months for the Manchester United striker.
The 29-year-old scored eight goals in 13 appearances and was named England skipper following Steven Gerrard s retirement from international football.
Rooney also moved to within three goals of Bobby Charlton s all-time scoring record.
Rooney took 27 per cent of the votes from an online poll of supporters club members, more than second-placed Danny Welbeck (11 per cent) and third-placed Raheem Sterling (seven per cent) combined.
"I m both very happy and proud to be named the England fans player of the year," Rooney told the Football Association s website after winning the award for the third time.
"The fact that this award is chosen by the fans makes it even more special, so I would like to thank all those who voted.
"I would also like to thank all the England fans for their support throughout what was a mixed year.
"Receiving an honour such as this from the fans is always something that fills you with personal pride."
West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino won England s Under-21 player of the year.
