Manchester City star Toure voted BBC African Footballer of the Year

London (AFP) - Manchester City's Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure was voted the BBC's African Footballer of the Year for the second time on Friday.

Toure helped his country win the African Nations Cup in February and has maintained his high standards with City, who finished second in the Premier League last season and are challenging for the title again this term.

The 32-year-old, who previously won in 2013 and has now been shortlisted for the accolade a record seven times, beat off competition from Andre Ayew (Ghana and Swansea), Sadio Mane (Senegal and Southampton), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund) and Yacine Brahimi (Algeria and Porto).

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

"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.

"We have so much talent in Africa, so I am determined to continue to achieve on the pitch and use my success to help lead the way for the next generation."