Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hurt by African player of year barbs

Paris - Borussia Dortmund and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted he was hurt by comments from Yaya Toure and Andre Ayew that he was undeserving of his African Player of the Year award.

Ivory Coast star Toure and Ghana international Ayew both featured in the African Cup of Nations final last year while Gabon exited in the first round.

Toure blasted Aubameyang's award as "indecent" and that it brought "shame" on the continent when it was made three weeks ago.

Ayew too said he was stunned that he and Toure and been beaten by the Gabon star in the vote.

"I spoke a little with Andre Ayew but I don't understand why they said what they did," Aubameyang told French broadcaster Canal+ Sunday.

"The African player of the year award is based on the whole year and not just the African Cup of Nations. I was hurt by what was said. It's a shame."

Aubameyang is currently the leading scorer in the Bundesliga with 18 goals.