How Yaya Toure's Best Season In England Prevented Mikel From Winning Top Individual Award

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure reportedly ended his professional career on Friday after many years of active football.

The Ivorian had a great spell with Barcelona where he won many trophies before joining the Citizens in 2010.

He had both good and bad seasons with the Premier League champions but his unforgettable season will definitely be the 2013/14 campaign in which he helped the team to win their second Premier League trophy.

Toure was phenomenal for the Citizens throughout the season as he rose up to the occasion whenever his team-mates required inspiration.

Coincidentally, 2013 also saw Nigeria star Mikel Obi live up to his billing for the West African side.

The defensive midfielder led the Super Eagles to their first AFCON glory in 19 years and also helped the team qualify for the Confederation Cup where he scored a well-taken goal against Uruguay to remind Nigerians of his attacking flare.

When it was time to choose Africa's best player for 2013, Yaya Toure, Mikel Obi and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba all made the final three-man shortlist.

Many tipped the Super Eagles captain to win the prestigious individual award given his exploits for club and country.

Surprisingly, Toure's performance for City was enough to prevent Mikel from clinching the highly-rated prize as he was voted as the African Player Of The Year  so much to the disappointment of many Super Eagles supporters.

Everyone will remember Toure for his great performances in the 2013-14 season, but Mikel will definitely remember the Ivorian for denying him the chance of becoming the APOTY.