Tuesday, 25th December, 2012

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has been named the Serbian Player of the Year.

The 28-year-old was presented with the award at a ceremony held last night and was quick to express his delight at being honoured by his homeland.



"This award means a lot to me", he was quoted as saying by UEFA.

"When you are named the best in your country, it is a reward for everything you have achieved up to now. I am happy, but I want to say thanks to my family and all of my team-mates, from my club and the national team – they helped me to get where I am today.

relatedNewsStory

"Now the onus is on me to maintain this standard, and even improve on it."

The award is the perfect Christmas present for Ivanovic and also caps off a memorable 2012 during which he won the Champions League with Chelsea.

It is the first time Ivanovic has won the award in its eight-year history.

Elsewhere, Dragomir Okuka was named Serbian Coach of the Year after leading Chinese side Jiangsu Sainty FC to a second-placed finish in the Chinese Super League this season.

Ivanovic and Okuka will now try to make 2013 as successful as 2012.

Like betting on football? Check out Inside Bet.