The 26-year-old Djeparov is the first player from Uzbekistan to win the award after compatriot Maksim Shatskikh’s first runner-up finish in 2005.

“I don’t think the trophy will affect my performances or my behaviour,” said Djeparov, one of the most exciting midfielders to come out of the plains of Central Asia in recent years.

“I attribute my success to hard work and training,” added Djeparov. “It was a result of hard work over the years.”

The Kuruvchi/Bunyodkor ace, who led the Uzbek minnows to the AFC Champions League semi-finals this year, admitted that landing the award was a huge surprise.

“It was a big surprise because I was competing with four of the top players in Asia for the trophy,” said Djeparov. “But I had an inkling that I was not completely out of the race.

“When I came here, everybody said ’come back with the trophy’.”

In another display of his down-to-earth humility, the Uzbek added: “It was a pleasure to be on the stage with some of the best players in Asia, like (Yuji) Nakazawa and (Yasuhito) Endo. They are all the best players in Asia and it was an honour.

“This is the first big award in my career so far and I thank my coaches, fellow players and family for their support.”

When asked how winning the award would impact football in Uzbekistan, Djeparov said it would have the right booster effect.

“The award will positively affect the development of Uzbekistan football. The Uzbekistan Football Federation is doing its best to improve our level of football and we have already seen the changes.”

Meanwhile, Japan and Gamba Osaka star Endo, a strong contender owing to his brilliant performances for club and country, expressed his surprise and disappointment at not getting the nod.

“It was a surprise as I actually thought I would win it,” said Endo. “I do feel a little bit disappointed but look forward to next year.”

Endo’s fellow countryman Nakazawa said he expected Djeparov to win.

“I thought Server would win,” said the Yokohama F Marinos defender. “However, it was a great experience for me to be on the stage with some of Asia’s top players.”