Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 21.32.13Angel di Maria has been named Argentina’s player of the year. He was given the Olimpia de Plata at a ceremony on Tuesday, where he was celebrated for his successes for both club and country. In a pre-recorded message, as the player was in Manchester after a night out with his team mates, Di Maria spoke of the honour at winning the award.

It is the first time since 2007 that Lionel Messi has not won the award. Messi, Di Maria and Javier Mascherano were shortlisted.

“I’m sorry for not being able to be at the awards ceremony; I’m in Manchester, and I don’t have the vacations I used to have to be able to go to Argentina,” he said. “Thank you for choosing me, thank you to those who voted, I’m very thankful for the gift. It’s a nice award for an athlete; winning it for the first time is a great honour for me and my family. Thank you very much, goodnight, and merry christmas.”