Newly-crowned
African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure insists the award is a reward
for his consistent performances for his country, according to supersport.com.
The Manchester City midfielder edged Nigeria’s Mikel Obi and countryman Didier Drogba to clinch his third straight title as the continent’s best footballer in a ceremony in Lagos on Thursday.
Speaking to Ghanaian radio station Citi FM after the ceremony, the versatile Ivory Coast player said delivering consistent performances for his country was behind his success.
“I think the award was given based on one’s work with his national team and we, the contenders were judged based on that,” Yaya was quoted as saying.
“A
good national team showing is crucial for us. Of course, great club form
is also important because it is never easy combining both things.
Playing week-in, week-out at that level for Manchester City is very
difficult.
“It has been one year since I won the last Player of the Year award so it is really challenging.”
The
former Barcelona star was quick to share in the disappointment of Mikel
in losing out after it was clear that Nigerians were all inching for
the Chelsea midfielder to take the top award of the ceremony.
He
said, “To be very honest with you, being touted as the favourite and not
winning is really painful. I really feel for Mikel because he also
deserved to win it. That said, I will just keep working hard and
improving myself.”
No comments:
Post a Comment