Yaya Toure Wins BBC African Footballer of the year 2013

Toure with the Award.

Ivory Coast and Manchester City's midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the BBC African Footballer of the year 2013, beating off competition from fellow African footballers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi and Jonathan Pitroipa to earn this year's crown. 

"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 said.

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.

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.

"It's something special because it's not the vote of the manager or the club or the captain of the national team, it's just the fans.

"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."