"Okay! Let me solemnly announce that the 2009–2010 Champions League Best Forward is..."
At the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Manchester United legend Solskjær slowly pulled a card from his hand. Facing the hundreds of guests in the conference center, he loudly called out a name.
"Yang... Yang!"
The entire venue instantly erupted into thunderous applause. The Real Madrid players seated toward the back rose as one, cheering and applauding Yang Yang's victory.
This year, Monaco belonged to Real Madrid!
Before the Best Forward award was presented, last season's Champions League Best Goalkeeper had gone to Real Madrid's Casillas. With his outstanding performances, the Real Madrid captain had beaten Inter Milan's Cesar and Lyon's Lloris to claim the award.
The Best Defender award went to Maicon. He was the second pure full-back in history to win the award. The first had been Robert Carlos, and everyone believed that Maicon would become another world-class full-back for Real Madrid after Carlos.
Of course, Maicon had mainly won the award because of his excellent performances at Inter Milan. But he now belonged to Real Madrid, so his victory naturally counted as an honor for the club as well.
The Best Midfielder award went to Sneijder. The Dutch midfielder defeated Robben and Xabi Alonso to take home the prestigious prize.
When Sneijder, who had transferred to Man City, accepted the Best Midfielder trophy from Italian legend Zola, the first person he thanked was Yang Yang. He said that Yang Yang was his best friend, that Yang had stood by him during the most difficult and darkest period of his life, extended a helping hand, and helped him secure a chance to prove himself.
"I know he won't be short of trophies tonight, but I still want to say this to him: Thank