Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said he was hurt by André Ayew and Yaya Touré’s criticism after being voted CAF African Footballer of the Year.

The Borussia Dortmund striker pipped the duo to the prestigious award, depriving the Côte d’Ivoire international of a fifth consecutive crown.

“I’m very, very disappointed, it’s sad to see Africa react this way, that they don’t think African achievements are important,” the 2015 African champion had lamented after the awards ceremony earlier this month.

“I think this is what brings shame to Africa, because to act in that way is indecent. But what can we do about it? Us Africans, we don’t show that Africa is important in our eyes. We favour more what’s abroad than our own continent. That is pathetic.”

And the Gabon skipper hit back at his rivals, insisting he fully deserved the award this year.

“I spoke with Ayew, I did not understand [his attitude]. It doesn’t matter,” Aubameyang said, as quoted by The Guardian.

“The Golden Ball [of Africa] is played on all season and my calendar year was not bad. It hurt me and that’s a shame,” added the 26-year-old, who scored 27 goals from 28 appearances for the German outfit through all competitions this season.