Perišić named best player in Belgium

Club Brugge KV forward Ivan Perišić has been voted player of the year by his fellow footballers in Belgium after topping the scoring charts in 2010/11 with 22 goals.

The Croatian international beat off competition from R. Standard de Liège midfielder Axel Witsel and KRC Genk striker Jelle Vossen for the award, won last year by Mbark Boussoufa. "This has come as a surprise to me," said Perišić.

"Actually, I was already glad to be one of the three nominees. Winning this trophy is almost unbelievable. It's been a fantastic end to the season for both Club [Brugge] and me. I want to thank everyone who voted for me; it's very special as it was my colleagues who chose me."

The 22-year-old is now set to leave Club Brugge, who sealed a UEFA Europa League qualifying berth by finishing the campaign in fourth. "Next to my title as top scorer this is a nice award, which I also have to thank my team-mates and coaches at Club Brugge for. It's special to be able to say goodbye in this way to the club and the fans who gave me so much."

There were also awards for champions Genk, with Frank Vercauteren named as best coach and Thibaut Courtois voted best goalkeeper, while Frank De Bleeckere retained his title as best referee.