Sadio Mane spoke of his pride and happiness after being crowned 2019 CAF African Player of the Year.

Liverpool’s No.10 received the prestigious award at a ceremony in Egypt on Tuesday after seeing off competition from teammate Mohamed Salah – winner in both 2017 and 2018 – and Riyad Mahrez. 

Being named Africa’s best male footballer capped a spectacular year for the Senegal star, during which he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, reached the Africa Cup of Nations final, earned the Premier League Golden Boot and finished fourth in the running for the Ballon d’Or.

“To be honest, I would love to play football more than to be in front of many important people to speak because football is my job, I love it, but speeches are not, by the way!” began Mane’s acceptance speech.

“Good evening everybody. Well, I am really happy and at the same time I am really proud to win this award. I would like to thank my family, especially my uncle who is here and my coach, Aliou Cisse. My national teammates and the staff at the federation, Liverpool Football Club and my teammates, the staff and everybody.

“It’s a big day for me. I would love to thank all the Senegalese people - they have been following me all the time, they push me. And my village, I come from a very small village called Bambali, I’m sure they are all watching on TV. Again, I am really happy and very proud to win this.”