Florenzi thanks fans on Twitter

“Thank you for allowing me to live this dream,” was how the midfielder summed up his gratitude.

The Roma midfielder finished in third position behind winner Wendell Lira and runner up Lionel Messi, with the prize being awarded during the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening.

Florenzi had earned his place at the gala event in Zurich on account of the magical goal he scored against Barcelona in the 1-1 draw at the Olimpico in September, being named among the three finalists in November.

Below is the full message Florenzi posted on his Twitter page:

“Every since I was a child I have always dreamed of a night like this and it was with the intense excitement of a child that I experienced it. The best players in football were there and it was mind-blowing to be there, a source of great pride. It was an amazing feeling. I want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Puskas Award. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to live this dream.”