It’s near three months ago that Steven Skrzybski left 1. FC Union Berlin for his boyhood club FC Schalke 04. For the second year running, the 25-year-old has been named Union player of the season of the previous campaign.

Skrzybski has a long connection to the Köpenick club, making his debut for the first team in November 2010 against FSV Frankfurt. Last season, the attacker scored 14 goals and set up another five for his team-mates. His overall record in red and white is just as impressive: in 143 competitive games, Skrzybski scored 30 times and assisted 18 times.

“To be elected Union player of the season is a great honour for me,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful for this and for your really encouraging reactions following my move to Schalke.”

The Berlin-born player also wishes his former team-mates the best of luck for Sunday’s game against FC St Pauli. “Unfortunately, for the first time in many years, I can’t be in the stadium to see it live. That’s a strange feeling I need to get used to. But of course, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Union from afar for the next home victory.”

Christopher Trimmel was second in the vote and Michael Parensen third. The final result is made up of votes from supporters from the official website, the matchday magazine and those of Union forum users.