Ajax defender Heitinga named Dutch 'Player of the Season'

BRUSSELS, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Ajax defender and Dutch international John Heitinga has been named as the Netherlands' Player of the Season, edging PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and Heerenveen defender Danijel Pranjic, Dutch newspaper theDe Telegraaf reported on Tuesday.

The top honor was a perfect gift for the 24-year-old Heitinga, who is bound to join Atletico Madrid of Spain on five-year deal with a transfer fee of 10 million euros next season.

Heitinga became the 27th player to win the prize, which is sponsored by the De Telegraaf.

The results were based on match ratings by former Dutch top players after every league match published by the newspaper every Monday.

"I have been keeping an eye on these rankings for a year now, as it is based on reports from former top players," said an excited Heitinga. "I have been thinking about this prize, the best thing you can wish for as a player, for a long time."

His mission in Ajax has not finished yet. He will fight with teammates for Ajax for a place in the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Champions League next season in Dutch play-offs involving the top 2-5 teams in the league.

Heitinga grew up in Ajax and is a graduate of the world famous Ajax youth system. He has made 210 appearances for the club from Amsterdam since his debut in 2001.

Meanwhile, he has played for the senior national team for 33 times since 2004, scoring five goals, and is certain to represent the Oranje in this summer's European Championships.