The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution.
"If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it," the skilful Van Persie told a gala in London.
"If they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honour."
"To be fair, when I first went there I wasn't really as confident and I wasn't really sure I could do it," added Van Persie, also favourite to win the English Football Writers' player of the year award later this week.
"It took a bit of time but after a couple of months I slowly realised I could do a good job there."
He took the players' gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale won last season's award.
Spurs full-back Kyle Walker was named Young Player of the Year after shining at right-back for his club and forcing himself into contention for England's Euro 2012 squad.
The PFA's Premier League Team of the Year was as follows:
