Corinthians defender Gil and Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira were elected by the Paulista Football Federation as the best players in the 2015 Paulista Championship in their respective positions. The Santos man was also voted player of the competition and, with ten goals, it is the current top scorer.
“I am happy to receive this award, which is the confirmation of a job well done by myself and Corinthians in the competition. I share it with all my companions and I regret that we are not disputing the final. But we leave with heads held high, unbeaten and having played well,” said Gil.
Gil is receiving this award for the second time, also having been named best in his position in 2013 when Corinthians won the tournament. Last year he was also given the CBF’s award as best defender of the national Championship.
Striker Ricardo Oliveira is also celebrating an excellent start to the season. The Santos number-nine has appeared in 17 Paulista matches, notching ten goals and two assists in the process.
He said: “My main goal was to return to play at a high level and, thank God, help my coaches, teammates and club officials. This was possible. My personal objectives would lose importance if the collective did not accompany them. By collective strength I was able to manage this important achievement that crowns months of hard work here. We still have a final and we want to be champions, to finish well and crown our good competition.”
