Image source, .

That's the end of this live page. Congratulations again to Mohamed Salah, the 2018 BBC African Footballer of the Year.

Read our news story about the award here.

BBC journalist Sally Nabil: "The people have full faith in the 'Egyptian king'. Some people have been calling on the government to give him a diplomatic passport. They believe he’s their best representative in the outside world.

"People like the fact he has manners and stays loyal to his roots. He is a pious Muslim too. He portrays a very positive picture of a Muslim in Europe.

"People tell me he’s given them a lot of hope of hitting world fame."

Eddie Blay Jnr: Congratulations Mo Salah, well deserved.

imfnd: The legend who always makes us proud.

Ex-Wolves and Nigeria keeper Carl Ikeme on BBC World News: "He was the standout player last season for Liverpool, he basically carried them in the league and to the Champions League final.

"He’s become a superstar. He's a worthy winner. It was hard between him and Mane but he was outstanding last season."

You can watch Mohamed Salah's interview here...

Stoke Ladies and Egypt forward Sarah Essam to BBC World News: "It’s something very big to all the young children in Egypt. He’s a role model. Now instead of young Egyptians dreaming of playing abroad, they have higher hopes. He made their dreams possible."

This is what Mohamed Salah had to say about winning the award.

"It's a great feeling. I would like to win it also next year.

"I think there's many [great] moments in 2018. The game against Tottenham was top and the game against Roma here was also unbelievable. I feel like I'm scoring goals, helping the team to get the points to be top in the league and that's always a great feeling."

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

"Just to win something with the club so everyone is excited, everyone is happy about that, so I also try to push myself every day, to help the team win something.

"This season everyone wants to win something. So I think we will carry on until we see."

Image source, BBC World

Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah retains the award he won last season.

He becomes the first player to win in consecutive seasons since Bolton and Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha in 2003 and 2004.

Image source, .

Ex-Nigeria keeper Carl Ikeme: "They’ve both had brilliant seasons and have helped each other on the pitch. But they’ve got a rivalry today. They’re both top players and score a lot of goals.

"Salah has started off well this season, but it will be difficult to hit the heights of last season. But I still think he'll score 20 goals."

The hosts of the award are standing outside Anfield handily.

Liverpool forwards Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Sadio Mane (Senegal).

Serie A defenders Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) and Mehdi Benatia (Tunisia) and Ghana's Thomas Partey are out.

Right, we're down to a final two. Which three players have been chopped and who's still in the running?

Ex-Wolves and Nigeria keeper Carl Ikeme on BBC World News: "All five are worthy nominees. It will be tough to pick the winner. They’re all deserving.

"It's good to see some defensive players on this list. Maybe a goalkeeper will be in there soon."

More than 650,000 people have voted. We're very close to the announcement now.

Isaac O'Neill: Whenever I see Salah scores a goal, I give myself in for deep thoughts. I tell myself it is possible to go from zero to hero! Never give up!

Most of you tweeting are saying Salah. Actually it's just the one that hasn't so far.

Previous winners include Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah - who won last year's award - and Premier League stars including Jay-Jay Okocha, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Riyad Mahrez.

My favourite ex-winner is Cameroon ledge Patrick M'Boma.

Read a history of the award here.

Mohamed Sultan: It should be an easy choice: Mohamed Salah

A: Salah about to wrongfoot Koulibaly for the second time this week...

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