Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was bristling with pride on Sunday night after being named English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) player of the year.

The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts with 27 goals and Arsenal’s third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution.

“If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it,” the skilful Van Persie told a gala in London.

“If they make up their minds that I’m the best player it is a big honour.”

Van Persie is the third Dutchman to win the award after Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02). He was the first Arsenal player to claim it since Thierry Henry in 2004.

He took the players’ gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney, of Manchester United, Tottenham’s Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale won last season’s award.

Spurs full-back Kyle Walker was named young player of the year after shining at right-back for his club and forcing himself into contention for England’s Euro 2012 squad.

The PFA’s Premier League team of the year was as follows: Hart (Man. City); Walker (Tottenham), Kompany (Man. City), Coloccini (Newcastle), Baines (Everton); David Silva (Man. City), Toure (Man. City), Parker (Tottenham), Bale (Tottenham); Van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Man. United).

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