Man City star Dias sends alarming warning to rivals after winning FWA award

RUBEN DIAS says the best is yet to come from him and Manchester City after he was named Footballer of the Year.

Dias was handed the award by the Football Writers' Association after a stunning debut season which saw him land the Premier League and League Cup.

But the 23-year-old defender, a £65million signing from Benfica, suggested there will be more to celebrate for City when they face Chelsea in the Champions League final a week on Saturday.

Asked to name his favourite moment in the Champions League, Dias replied: "In the history of the Champions League? It's yet to come!"

Dias, 24, became the first defender to win the award since former Liverpool star Steve Nicol back in 1989.

Centre-back Dias has been a revelation since joining Pep Guardiola's champions, helping them to concede fewer goals than any other team in the top-flight this season.

Dias added: "It's a huge privilege. I'm very, very happy. It's the same as always, obviously I couldn't have done it without the success of the team - everyone in the team being able to deserve this award.

"Only by that was I, as a defender, able to be here to receive this prize.

"It means something special because normally the ones who finish the plays are the ones getting the spotlight.

"But me receiving this prize is a major example of our team and the way we work - the way we build our game.

"It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, the spirit in the team and how we perform.

"With these players, for me to be receiving this award, it shows how we play like a family."