Egyptian star Mohamed Salah is a happy man after winning the 2017 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

Salah pulled the highest number of votes to emerge winner of the prestigious accolade ahead of Nigeria's Victor Moses, Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane from Senegal and Guinean Naby Keita.

The Liverpool winger who currently tops the Premier League chart with 13 goals, said it is special after claiming the top prize which also makes him the third player from Egypt to win the award.

"I am very happy to win this award. It's always a special feeling when you win something. I feel like I had a great year, so I'm very happy," the 25-year-old told BBC Sports.

 "I want to be the best Egyptian ever so I work hard. I always follow my own way and I want everyone in Egypt to follow my way."

Salah has been impressive for his country in 2017. He played a vital role in helping the Pharaohs of Egypt finished as runners-up to Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

He was also instrumental in Egypt's qualification to their first FIFA World Cup since 1990, scoring five goals and providing two assists during the qualifiers for next year's showpiece in Russia.

At club level, he netted 15 times and was involved in 11 others as AS Roma finished second behind Juventus in the Italia Serie A before he joined Liverpool in a record fee of £34m which could rise to £43.9m with add-ons.

He follows in the footsteps of his countrymen Mohamed Barakat (2005) and Mohamed Aboutrika (2008) in winning the coveted honour.


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