Thierry Henry has become the first player to win the Footballer of the Year award in successive seasons after he swept almost 90 per cent of the votes cast in the annual poll.
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Since the award was introduced in the 1947-48 season no player had previously won it in successive seasons and only six men had won it twice -- Sir Stanley Matthews (1948 and 1963), Sir Tom Finney (1954 and 1957), Danny Blanchflower (1958 and 1961), Kenny Dalglish (1979 and 1983), John Barnes (1988 and 1990), and Gary Lineker (1986 and 1992).
Henry joined that select band and made history of his own just two weeks after he was voted Players' Player of the Year for the second successive season by his peers.
The striker has scored 37 goals this season, including 29 in the premier league, and has created countless others to inspire Arsenal to the title.
Henry said: "It's a real honour to receive this award for the second year running, but as I always say it would not have been possible without my team mates and of course the manager.
"When I collected this award last season I would have swapped it for a team award, but thankfully this year we won the title so I can really enjoy it this time around.
"You know we have a special group of players at Arsenal and an amazing team spirit. I love being part of this team and really believe we have a big future."
FWA chairman Gerry Cox said on Monday: "Last year it was a close contest and a somewhat controversial outcome with Henry narrowly beating Ruud Van Nistelrooy, but this time he has been the runaway winner.
"His skill, athleticism, teamwork and goals have set new standards in the premier league, but above all that it is about the way he plays the game that has captivated people throughout the country.
"While it bodes well for Arsenal's future, one can only fear for England's defenders in Euro 2004."
Henry will be presented with the award at an FWA dinner on May 20.
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