Arsenal's Van Persie seals hat-trick of awards

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has won another feather in his cap after being voted the Professional Football Association's fans' player of the year for 2011-12.

It is the third award won by the Holland international for his prolific form last season, having already landed the PFA players' and writers' awards.

Van Persie scored 37 goals in 48 appearances for Arsenal and is now recognised as one of Europe's top players.

The Netherlands international has been the focus of intense debate over his future, with his prolific goalscoring attracting the attention of the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.

"Robin had an exceptional season and has established himself in the mould of previous top quality Dutch strikers such as Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Marco Van Basten," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.

"He's very much in demand and Arsenal fans will be worrying whether Arsenal can get him to stay or whether he will move on to the likes of Manchester City.

"Many of his goals were the best of not just this season, but any season when you think of the quality of some of his volleys.

"He really has been a talisman for Arsenal and as captain has lifted them into qualifying for the Champions League again when all looked lost."

Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez, who signed for Southampton last week, scooped the Football League Championship award following his 21 goal-haul last season.

"Burnley born, Jay had some limited experience in their time in the Premier League but has really come good for the club," said Taylor.

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo won the League One award while Lewis Grabban, the Rotherham United forward, was recognised in League Two.

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