For the first time since the Glo-CAF Award ceremony was concluded, Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel has expressed his gratitude to millions of Nigerians who supported and prayed for him to win the Player of the Year Award which was given to Ivorian Yaya Toure.

Mikel, who was the runner-up; also thanked telecommunications giant, Globacom Telecommunications for putting up a spectacular ceremony that was entertaining and fun filled.

According to a statement signed by Mikel’s manager and agent, John Ola Shittu, the player said, “I am overwhelmed by the support of Nigerians at home and abroad, and others who voted for me and supported me in my quest to be crowned the African Player of the Year.

“It’s a great joy that what I do week in, week out for my great club Chelsea and my beloved country Nigeria is appreciated by millions of people worldwide.”

He added that he would have loved to have an interactive session with his fans, who he believed are his best friends, after the Thursday night ceremony, but for the call to duty.

Mikel had to leave immediately after the ceremony because Chelsea was billed to play Hull City Football Club in the English Premier League last Saturday.  Mikel who arrived London on Friday played in the 2-0 defeat of Hull City the next day.

Speaking further on the award, Mikel wished Yaya Toure well, while remaining optimistic that his own time will surely come.

“It is just like in every football match. In every game someone has to win, and Toure won this time. Mikel still has more glorious years ahead of him, the Brasil 2014 World Cup is around the corner and many championships are ahead of him; he will surely be crowned Africa best soon,” said Shittu.