Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport in Johannesburg

Diouf is getting used to awards

Senegal's El Hadji Diouf says he is honoured to receive the BBC's African Footballer of the Year title.

"I am thankful to the fans that have selected me for this award.

"They are the ones that have encouraged me to perform at the level that I have over the last few years," he added.

Caf awards night in pictures

In contrast to Caf's African Player of the Year Award which he also received in Johannesburg, the BBC title is decided by fans' votes and not a committee.

"Some people may have negative things to say about me but I know that the fans believe in me and I will continue to play for them," Diouf told the BBC in Johannesburg.

Some journalists in my country do not like me but that's their problem El Hadji Diouf

The 22-year-old Liverpool striker was severely sanctioned for spitting at a Celtic supporter during a Uefa Cup quarter-final.

He acknowledges his wrongdoing but wants the whole incident to be put behind him.

"I know I did the wrong thing and I have apologised for my behaviour.

"As an ambassador of African football, I will not recommend any young people to imitate my behaviour.

"But I hope that this matter can be forgotten now," he said.

Diouf missed out on getting a hat-trick of awards after the Senegalese press picked Pape Bouba Diop as their player of 2002.

The striker says the decision is a strange one.

"I think they were trying to cause a rift between Bouba and myself but that did not happen because we remain good friends.

"I believe some journalists in my country do not like me but that's their problem," Diouf said.

The Liverpool player said he was looking forward to this weekend's encounter with Manchester United and that the match had been on his mind while he collected his awards.