Yaya Toure proud to win African award

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has expressed his pride at being named the BBC's African Footballer of the Year for the second time in three years.

The Ivory Coast international saw off competition from the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and last year's winner Yacine Brahimi to take the title.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Toure said: "I am very proud to be named BBC African Footballer of the Year and would like to thank everyone that voted.

"I work hard every day to be the best I can be, so to be nominated seven consecutive times and win this award for a second time means a lot to me.

"I would also like to pay tribute to my fellow nominees and this fantastic initiative, which celebrates African footballers – shining a light on our wonderful continent."

Toure's inclusion on the BBC's shortlist was a record-setting seventh.