Fulham striker David Healy has been granted an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Fulham striker David Healy has been granted an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Healy is involved in charity work as a patron of the George Best Memorial Trust.
The Northern Ireland striker is his country's all-time top scorer with 34 goals in 64 appearances, 13 of which came in their unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
He said: "I'm truly honoured and delighted, it's a special award.
"First of all to be nominated was an honour, but to actually receive it - I'm thrilled to bits.
"I have to thank a lot of people - my mum and dad, my wife and my kids. I would also like to thank all of the coaches that I've had, right from a young age.
"The managers I have played under, who have all given me great confidence - and obviously the players I have played with at club and international level.
"They've made it all possible and I wouldn't be receiving this award as an individual if it wasn't for them.
"Without the help of my team-mates and friends I wouldn't be receiving this award.
"Roy Hodgson always tells us how privileged we are to be playing football because people on the street would give their left arm to play in the Premier League and play for their country. So I'm very lucky indeed to receive an award like this."
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