Palma's Chaguinha named 2024 UEFA Futsal Champions League finals Player of the Tournament
Sunday, May 5, 2024
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Palma's Chaguinha has collected the Player of the Tournament award at the finals in Yerevan.
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Chaguinha of Mallorca Palma Futsal has been named UEFA Futsal Champions League Player of the Tournament by the UEFA Technical Observer panel.
The Georgian defender was excellent in the semi-finals as the holders came from behind to beat Benfica on penalties, and he stepped up a level in the decider as they retained the title by beating Barça 5-1. Chaguinha got the goal his performance deserved as he rolled the ball into an empty net in the last minute for Palma's fourth.
The UEFA technical observers said of the 35-year-old: "The game-changer who led by example with non-stop creative energy and a giant in defence with crucial blocks, fierce pressing and in 1v1 duels. A complete player."
As for Chaguinha himself, he told UEFA.com: "To win the Champions League last year was already like a dream come true, but to do it twice in a row? I can't even put it into words.
"Of course, I'm happy with this award, but I think every single one in the team deserves it and I'm not talking only about the players. It took a lot of hard work from everyone to get here, and tonight we left it all on the pitch because that was the only way we could be celebrating right now. I couldn't be happier."
