Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year.
The Manchester City star beat Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nigerian pair Victor Moses and John Mikel Obi, and Burkina Faso attacker Jonathan Pitroipa to the accolade, which was previously held by Zambian Clifford Mulenga.
Toure told BBC Sport: "I think I've been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing.
"I'm very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I'm very appreciative.
"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."
The shortlist for the prize was compiled by 44 football experts across Africa, with fans then deciding the winner by voting either online or by text messaging.
The Manchester City star beat Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nigerian pair Victor Moses and John Mikel Obi, and Burkina Faso attacker Jonathan Pitroipa to the accolade, which was previously held by Zambian Clifford Mulenga.
Toure told BBC Sport: "I think I've been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing.
"I'm very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I'm very appreciative.
"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."
The shortlist for the prize was compiled by 44 football experts across Africa, with fans then deciding the winner by voting either online or by text messaging.
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