Egypt's Mohamed Salah named as BBC African Footballer of the Year

Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah was named BBC African footballer of the year on Monday following a record number of votes.

The Liverpool superstar, who is the Premiership's top goal scorer, received praise from the football world following the announcement, having enjoyed an impressive year for both club and country.

"I am very happy to win this award," the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's always a special feeling when you win something. I feel like I had a great year, so I'm very happy."

The £34 million signing from Roma has taken the premiership by storm, scoring nine goals in his first 12 games to break the club's record.

His late match-winning penalty for Egypt against the Congo in October secured World Cup qualification for Egypt for the first time since 1990.

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

Salah came ahead of Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guinean Naby Keita, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Nigeria's Victor Moses in the public vote.

Last year's winner was Riyad Mahrez, who plays for Leicester and Algeria.

Previous winners include Jay-Jay Okocha from Nigeria, Didier Drogba from the Ivory Coast and Michael Essien from Ghana.