CYGAN TAKES TOP PLAYER AWARD

The 27-year-old was inspirational for Lille last season, helping them to a surprise third place in the league and a place in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Cygan admitted that he has resolved his differences with coach Vahid Halilhodzic after coming out and criticising him in the press.

The highly-rated defender had a bust-up with Halilhodzic after failing to turn up to play against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League last month, but he has been offered a new deal to stay at the club.

Cygan has been offered a one-year extension to his deal, but has admitted that he would prefer a longer-term deal or he could be tempted to move elsewhere.

"I had a meeting with the chairman and I admitted I should have not talked to the press, just the day before an important match against Manchester United," said Cygan.

"Today it's settled. I was sanctioned and it's forgotten.

"They proposed an extension to my contract for just one year, so until 2004. I wished for a long-term deal, but the officials didn't have that point of view.

"The chairman asserted to me that the decision was taken before the matter with Halilhodzic.

"Whatever happens I won't leave during this season. If I have to go, it will be at the end of Le Championnat.

"I don't want to have any trouble and endure again what I endured last season during pre-season."