Toure Is BBC African Footballer Of The Year

Yaya Toure (30), the Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, has won the 2013 BBC African footballer of the year. He beat John Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Jonathan Pitroipa of Rennes, Victor Moses of Liverpool and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund to win the award.

Toure has been nominated consecutively in the past five years, without ever winning the award. After receiving the award from the BBC Sport, he said,
''I think I've been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing.''

''It's a fantastic achievement, because I don't think there has ever been as many quality African players, in top level international football as there are now - Aubameyang, Pitroipa, Mikel, Moses, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho...we have fantastic players.

BBC African Footballer Of The Year Award Trophy

''I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us. And as an African, I'm very happy.''

He thanked fans all over the world, who voted for him in this year's award. And has continued to support him in his wonderful career.

''Thank you to all the fans around the world, who continue to support me. It shows how much fans love you and appreciate your job as well.

''It's something special, because it's not the vote of the manager or the club or the captain of the national team, it's just the fans.

Yaha Toure, who was obviously appreciative of the award, after lossing out in four previous nominations, said that he was much appreciative of the award, as it was decided by the fans.

''When you have a lot of fans behind you, it's always amazing. And I'm very happy as it is the fans, who have given it to me - so I'm very appreciative,'' he added.
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A number of 44 football experts across Africa, drew up the shortlist for the BBC Award, with the criterion based on skill, teamwork, technical ability, consistency and fair play.

The football fans all the world, voted either online or by phone text message, for the player they think is the best this year.

Yaha Toure, is the reigning CAF African footballer of the year and is also in the shortlist for this year's award. He has a great chance of winning the award again this year. But you never know, it maybe a new name this year.