Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been named BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2015.

The 32-year-old becomes only the third player, after Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to receive the honour twice.

"I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable," Toure told BBC Sport.

"Also I want to pay tribute to the other nominees. African football is growing up, becoming much better and we have fantastic young players coming through now."

Toure described all five nominees as "champions".

He added: "I am delighted and very happy. And as an African player, I want to lead all my younger brothers to be successful in the future.

"When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player. I have sacrificed a lot.

"I will continue to try to win a trophy every year, I will fight to win a personal trophy."