Inter defender Milan Skriniar has been awarded Footballer of the Year in Slovakia and joked that he hopes Marek Hamsik “isn’t angry with me”.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak in Europe, the 20th edition of the award ceremony couldn’t be arranged like it normally would.
But the Slovakian FA still handed out the award in collaboration with the newspaper Pravda, counting the votes from the coaches and sports journalists.
Inter defender Milan Skriniar has been awarded Footballer of the Year in Slovakia and joked that he hopes Marek Hamsik “isn’t angry with me”.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak in Europe, the 20th edition of the award ceremony couldn’t be arranged like it normally would.
But the Slovakian FA still handed out the award in collaboration with the newspaper Pravda, counting the votes from the coaches and sports journalists.
“I’m sorry that this year the award ceremony can’t be held like every year,” he told the newspaper Pravda. “But in this period, it’s not possible and it’s quite reasonable.
“Obviously, I was very happy with the prize and I’m happy and grateful towards the people who voted for me.
“Even the people who support me, whether it’s my family or my fans. I think Stanislav Lobotka told me last year, that someone else could only win the award when Marek Hamsik goes to China. So, I hope he’s not angry with me.
“I would like to tell people to be responsible in this period, let’s stay at home, take care of ourselves. Now, the health is the most important thing for all of us.
“Only in this way, we can go back to playing football and have fun.”
Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka arrived second and Marek Hamsik took third place, whilst the award for best Under-21 was handed to Feyenoord youngster Robert Bozenik.
Slovan Bratislava’s Jan Kozak won the award for best coach.