Yaya Toure Tells Why He Won the African Player of the Year Award

Newly crowned African player of the Year, Yaya Toure has pointed at the consistent good outings for his country as the reason behind his success.

The Manchester City midfielder edged Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and country man Didier Drogba to clinch his third straight title as the continent's best footballer in a ceremony in Lagos, on Thursday evening.

Speaking to Ghanaian radio station Citi FM after the ceremony, Toure revealed that churning out top performances on a regular basis for one's national team was behind his rise to become the top player he is at the moment.

"I think the award was given based on one's work with his national team and we, the contenders were judged based on that."

"A good national team showing is crucial for us. Of course, great club form is also important because it is never easy combing 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."

Toure 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.

"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 will just keep working hard and improving myself."

Toure now joins Samuel Eto'o and Abedi Pele as the only players to have won the African Player Of The Year on three different occasions.