Pires wins Writers' gong
Pires managed to hold off competition from Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy, who finished second by just five votes, and England captain David Beckham in third.
Arsenal's Thierry Henry came fourth, with Sami Hyypia of Liverpool in fifth,
The news has come as a major boost to Pires, after it was confirmed earlier this week he would undergo surgery on his injured knee which would keep him out for six months and end any chance of him making the World Cup finals.
"Obviously it is a great honour for me to win this award," said Pires.
"I know how important it is in English football.
"Recently, times have been difficult with my injury and missing the rest of the season, but this has given me something to smile about.
"It's an award not just for me but for my Arsenal team-mates and everyone at the club who have made my time in England so memorable."
