The accolades continue for Western United captain Alessandro Diamanti, who has been recognised by the Hyundai A-League as the best player of the 2019/2020 season, winning the Johnny Warren Medal at Thursday night’s Dolan-Warren Awards.
The inaugural captain of Western United was honoured to have won the award in his first season in the A-League.
“I’m very happy, it’s a great honour to be awarded best player by the A-League. It’s been a challenging year for all sportspeople – all footballers, and all the fans too,” Diamanti said.
“I’m proud of my effort this season and the effort of my teammates, we worked hard and we won our first final for the Club.”
Diamanti, via the virtual awards ceremony, in addition to his teammates also thanked his family – wife Silvia and three children, Western United Head Coach Mark Rudan and coaching staff, and sponsors of Western United’s first season – Probuild, Kappa, Wyndham City, Victoria University and Tasman Logistics for their support during the season.
“It’s hard to describe what it feels like to go through a pandemic in a first season, at a brand new club, in a new country, then living in hubs – this is a big year, one I will never forget,” he said.
Head Coach Mark Rudan has praised his captain throughout the season.
“You know, it’s just a joy to watch and enjoy and coach as well…. he is a great captain and an inspiration to the rest of us,” Rudan said.
The medal adds to Diamanti’s individual accolades this season, after he was also crowned Player of the Season by Fox Sports Australia, winning the Alex Tobin Award in August.
He also becomes the first Italian to win the award.
Diamanti, a fan favourite, is signed with Western United for the next two A-League seasons and now, etched in their history books (and hearts) forever.
