Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel has congratulated Fijian international and Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna for being named the best player in the Australian  A-League.

On Monday Krishna walked away with the Johnny Warren medal and also the Golden Boot award.

Krishna is the first Fijian footballer to receive any major award in a professional football arena and Patel said he has made the country proud with his exploits.

“It is a huge achievement for a Fijian footballer to receive such a major award and he has made all Fijians proud,” said Patel.

“We are so proud that Roy has kept his name on the A-League and been the first Fijian to be honoured at international level.

Krishna couldn’t hide his delight after receiving his award.

“If you work hard dreams do come true. Growing up in a village, I never dreamt of getting this,” he said.

“First of all I want to thank my boss for believing in me, for getting the best out of me and my brothers for believing in me and making me work harder every week to achieve this and also to my wife and my family for always being there for me even though when things don’t go your way, they always encourage you to love the sport that you love.”

Krishna has also picked up the Golden Boot for scoring 18 goals this season and with him being off contract, a number of clubs are interested in his signature.

The Johnny Warren Medal is awarded to the best player of the Australian national football club competition.

It was first awarded in the National Soccer League in 1990, and upon the NSL’s demise in November 2004, it was carried forward into the new national club competition, the A-League.

It is named after former Australia national team captain and tireless promoter of football in Australia, Johnny Warren.

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