Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been named as the 2013 Player of the Year at the Football Supporters' Federation Awards.
Suarez has had an eventful year, being banned for 10 matches after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic while also being involved in a lengthy transfer saga over the summer.
However, Liverpool managed to hold on to the Uruguayan striker, who has gone on to score 17 league goals so far this season despite missing the first six games through suspension.
"[The award is] very special for me because my hard work on the pitch is recognised. Everybody knows about my problems and my difficult year, but after that I forgot everything and have been able to get back on the pitch," PA quotes Suarez as saying.
"Liverpool are starting to reach their potential and we can play our best on the pitch. It's very important that we stay together, we keep going, this is very important.
"If Liverpool don't have these players I cannot continue my level, because it's too much. They know I am important, so they try everything to stay together, that's important for me, but it's more important for the club."
Suarez was in scintillating form again on Sunday, scoring two goals and setting up another three as Liverpool cruised to a 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane to move up to second in the Premier League table.
Barney Corkhill
