Manchester City legend Yaya Toure has expressed regret over the 2013 African Player of the Year award, acknowledging that John Mikel Obi deserved the prestigious title more than him.
Toure, who won the award for the third consecutive year, admitted during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast that Mikel Obi should have taken home the 2013 honor, especially after his crucial role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League victory.
Reflecting on the decision, Toure said, “You deserved it, Obi, to be honest. Your season was perfect. Nigeria won the AFCON, and you were central to that success.”
Although Toure claimed the award, he revealed that he had no prior indication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about the outcome and would have been equally pleased if Mikel had won. “If it were me or him, it would have been fine,” Toure explained. “But the big question was, if we don’t go there, who’s going to support?”
The Ivorian star also took the opportunity to call for greater unity and support among Africans when celebrating their achievements. “We’ve seen Europeans supporting their own causes and events,” Toure pointed out. “As Africans, we need to unite and support each other’s successes.”
This candid admission from Toure highlights both his sportsmanship and his support for African unity in the sporting world.
