Glory attacker Chris Ikonomidis has received another prestigious honour in the form of the Professional Footballers Australia’s (PFA) Harry Kewell Medal.
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The medal is awarded to mark the outstanding achievement of an under-23 footballer playing in the Hyundai A-League or an overseas-based Australian.
Ikonomidis, who also took out the NAB Young Footballer of the Year award earlier this year, was presented with the Harry Kewell Medal by former Glory and Socceroos winger Stan Lazaridis following Monday morning’s training session.
In addition to scoring nine goals and claiming five assists during a stellar debut campaign for Glory in 2018/19, the man from Cronulla also starred for the Socceroos in the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.
The 24-year-old joined Mat Ryan as the PFA’s major award winners, with the Brighton and Hove Albion and Socceroos goalkeeper claiming the 2019 Footballer of the Year crown.
Ikonomidis was naturally delighted with the honour, but quick to direct praise towards his Glory and Socceroos teammates and coaches.
“To have this kind of recognition from my peers is special,” he said, “and for me, it’s the highest honour when players you play against give you that award.
“It’s special winning an award with Harry Kewell’s name on it because he was an idol of mine growing up and a reason I wanted to become a footballer.
“This award is special because it’s voted on by people who know football at the professional level and people who I have played with and against.
“I’d like to thank my coaches with the national team and also here at Perth Glory and all of my teammates – I couldn’t have done it without them – and all the fans and I’m grateful to the players who voted for me.”
Ikonomidis is poised to return to Hyundai A-League action on Sunday when Glory host Brisbane Roar at HBF Stadium (kick off at 3pm).
To grab your tickets to the huge Round One clash, click HERE.
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