Yaya Toure has won the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.
The Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, who had been nominated in each of the past four years, finally won the crown.

Manchester City and Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure celebrates

Upon winning Toure said, “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.

“I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us. And as an African, I’m very happy.” Toure has had a fantastic year for both club and country, even though it hasn’t fallen short in terms of silverware, he has impressed hugely with his consistently high level of performances.

The shortlist for the award was drawn up by 44 football experts across Africa, who based their choices on players’ skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play.

The award was voted upon by fans, who considered Toure to be the standout African player over the past year, in recognition of the Ivorian’s displays of power, pace, creativity and goals. Toure said: “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.

“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.