Juan Mata, Frank Lampard win Chelsea awards

By Kristian Johnson, Reporter | 16 May 2013

Chelsea's Juan Mata is named as Players' Player of the Year for the second season in a row, while Frank Lampard is given a Special Recognition award.

Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has won Players' Player of the Year for the second season in a row at Chelsea, while Frank Lampard has been given a Special Recognition award.

Mata received the award at the club's presentation evening just a day after helping Chelsea beat Benfica 2-1 in the Europa League final.

Upon being presented with the award, the 25-year old said he was honoured.

"I want to say thank you to all of my teammates," said Mata.

"I feel very proud to play for a team like Chelsea with all these amazing players, so it's a thank you to them. We have 24 or 25 top players and any one of them could have been the winner."

Frank Lampard was also given a Special Recognition award for his 11 years of service at the club.

Lampard, who signed a one-year contract extension today, became the club's all-time top goalscorer after scoring both goals in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

"Getting the equalising goal on the day and drawing level with the great man himself was a big deal for me," said Lampard. "It was such a huge game for us, and I kind of felt it would be the day after scoring the first one.

"I can't really explain it. I thought it would be good when I done it, but I didn't realise quite how good it would feel.

"To have the fans at Aston Villa and my team-mates celebrating with me at the end was quite emotional for me, so thanks to all the lads."

Nathan Ake won Young Player of the Year, while Oscar won the Goal of the Season award for his second goal in the 2-2 Champions League draw against Juventus in September.