ANDRIY LIFTS GOLDEN BALL AWARD 2004
12/13/2004 8:27:00 PM

Andriy Shevchenko has been crowned European Footballer of the Year for 2004. The announcement of the award, which is handed out by France Football magazine, was made at 6.40pm CET on French television. Known as the Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball), the winner is choosen by journalists from 52 different countries. This year the Milan striker came out top, with 175 points, Deco was second on 139, while Ronaldinho came in third on 133 points. Sheva, who was joined in the Paris studios of Canal Plus by Milan officials Adriano Galliani, Ariedo Braida and Leonardo, said: 'When I started playing football I dreamt of being a top player and maybe winning a prestigious award such as this. I am really happy. I would like to send a message to all children who love this sport, that what happened to me can also happen to them.’ On receiving the award from Gerard Ernault, director of France Football, the 28-year-old Ukrainian international added: 'I am proud to be Ukrainian and I want to dedicate this success to the people of my country.’ Milan president Silvio Berlusconi also added his complements, saying: 'Andriy is not only a champion on the pitch but off it as well. He is an example to everyone, his team-mates and all Milan fans.’ Sheva becomes the fifth Rossoneri star to win the accolade after Gianni Rivera in 1969, Ruud Gullit in 1987, Marco Van Basten in 1988, 1989 and 1992 and George Weah in 1995.