SAN FRANCISCO, January 08, (THEWILL) – Yaya Toure has expressed deep anger on his inability to win the African Football awards for a record fifth time saying “shame on Africa.”
The Ivorian, who had won the award for four consecutive years admitted that he was expecting to win again after leading Ivory Coast to victory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations but was schocked that Pierre-EmerickAubameyangwas voted ahead of him at Thursday’s Gala.
The 32-year-old condemned Africa, saying he couldn’t understand why it was easy for the continent to favour Aubameyang’s superb performance in the Bundesliga over his own showing at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking with Radio France International, Toure described his failure to win as “pathetic” and a “shame on Africa”.
“I’m very, very disappointed,” Toure said.
“I think this is what brings shame to Africa. Because to behave in this way, it is indecent! But what can we do? We Africans, we do not show that Africa is important to us. We focus more outside our own continent. That is pathetic!
“It’s sad to see Africa react this way, that they don’t think African achievements are important. I give an example: Lionel Messi has won all the trophies but [if] Cristiano Ronaldo has the award [the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or], what would you say? It would be unfair!
“FIFA, even with all the stories of corruption, would not do that! I believe that today, with what happened, CAF will go there too.”
“Yaya will look after Yaya and Yaya will allow Africa be. As I often say, do not care too much for Africa because Africa will be the first to let you down.”
Still, Toure congratulated Aubameyang with words “You were brilliant.”
Aubameyang, who was voted by coaches and technical directors of African national teams, kept a record of 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga matches for Borussia Dortmund but was eliminated with the Gabonese national team in the group stage of the 2015 Nations Cup.
Oputah David
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