“I think Samuel Eto’o should be the African player of the year, having made a glamorous 2009 season with former club Barcelona, and scoring 40 goals, including one in the Champions League final. With such performances, I can say Eto’o is the best,” the City’s forward told French satellite TV station Canal+.

Touching on the prowess of Ivory Coast’s Drogba whom he called “my personal friend” he said: “Drogba is one of the best strikers in the world today. The guy can net you goals from any angle. People are surprised about Drogba, but I’m not. The guy does best what he knows how to do, and that’s scoring goals.”

The coveted award is being fought for between three top African footballers – Michael Essien, Drogba and Eto’o.

Drogba won it in 2006 while Eto’o is a three-time winner - 2003, 2004 and 2005.