Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: An influential role in Kuwait Sports Club's 2012 AFC Cup victory has earned Brazilian playmaker Rogerinho (Rogério de Assis Silva Coutinho) the inaugural AFC Foreign Player of the Year Award ahead of compatriots Ricardo de Oliveira, top scorer in the 2012 AFC Champions League and Bruno Cesar Correa.
Rogerinho scored the second goal as Kuwait SC defeated Arbil 4-1 in the final to take his personal tally for the tournament seven as the Kuwaitis and the 25-year-old claimed top honours in the continental club competition for the second time following their victory in the 2009 edition.
"I am very thankful to the AFC for selecting me for this prestigious award," Rogerinho remarked after receiving the first ever AFC Foreign Player of the Year Award from AFC Executive Committee Member HE Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa.
"I want to dedicate this award to my teammates, with whom I work every day and who are instrumental to this success. Credit also goes to the amazing fans of Kuwait SC and the club President who put his faith in me.
"It's been four years I am playing my football outside my home but the club officials, fans and teammates always ensure that I feel it like home when I am Kuwait.
"I am also looking forward to another exciting year and I am enjoying my life in Kuwait. I would like to stay with this club for the foreseeable future."