World award has forced my critics to shut up, says Cannavaro
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fabio Cannavaro feels vindicated. The Italy captain said his Fifa World Player of the Year award would answer critics who complained he should not have been voted Europe's best player recently.
Cannavaro received 498 points from international coaches and captains when the Fifa award was announced on Monday, beating Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho. The Real Madrid defender's triumph came three weeks after he won the Golden Ball for the top European player in France Football magazine's poll of 52 journalists. Some felt this prize should have been won by a more attacking player.
"Now, all the people who spoke before, when I won the Golden Ball, have shut their mouths now the coaches and players from national teams have given me this prize and this recognition," Cannavaro said.
Cannavaro, the first defender to win the Fifa award since its inception in 1991, said his prize would encourage other defenders. "From today, every defender can aspire to an award like the Fifa World Player because only forwards and midfielders had won it up to now," he said.
Cannavaro, who joined Real Madrid from Juventus in July, said he did not feel like "the best player in the world". "But I played well in 2006. These prizes are for winning the World Cup. I played really well in it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments