© EuroFootball.com
Before drawing the Champions League lots, the UEFA club football awards ceremony took place in Monaco - on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup matches that open the European cup season, the best players and coaches of the past season were honored.
The Most Valuable Player award went to Liverpool's midfielder Steven Gerrard, who significantly contributed to his team's triumph in the Champions League and became the first captain to receive this award, although previously such title was awarded to David Beckham (1999), Fernando Redondo (2000), Stefan Effenberg (2001), Zinedine Zidane (2002), and Deco (2004) all honored after winning the Champions League. The exception was only in 2003 when the prize went to Juventus goalkeeper G. Buffon despite losing in the final.
"I am still shocked. When I think about the players who have won this award before, it becomes unbelievable. I am very honored to be here. The Champions League is my favorite tournament, and I hope to participate in it for a long time," Gerrard said after receiving the award from UEFA president Lennart Johansson.
Gerrard's England national team mate John Terry was named the best defender. The 24-year-old player had his most successful season in 2004/05 - he helped Chelsea win the English league championship for the first time in 50 years and also scored the winning goal against Barcelona in the memorable Champions League quarter-final.
Another player who significantly contributed to Chelsea's success, Petr Cech, received the award for the best goalkeeper. The Czech national team footballer conceded only 13 goals in 35 matches in the English Premier League and played almost all of the team's matches in the Champions League. He became only the second Czech to receive such an award - in 2003, Pavel Nedved received the best midfielder award.
The remaining two laureates were Brazilians. Milan's attacking midfielder Kaka, who stood out in the "Serie A" championship of the past season scoring seven times and helping the Italian team reach the Champions League final, was named the best player in his position, while his compatriot Ronaldinho, leading Barcelona to the top of the Spanish league with his unique style of play and also scoring great goals in the Champions League, was named the best forward.
In addition to these awards, several others were also presented, including the Champions Coaches award, awarded to the Liverpool and CSKA strategists for their victories in the European cups in the previous season, respectively to Rafa Benitez and Valery Gazzaev.
