Monrovia: International football stars and Liberians on Friday celebrated George Weah’s presidential victory in the West African country’s first democratic transfer of power after two devastating civil wars, as the former ace striker vowed to usher in change.
Idolised in Liberia as ‘Mister George’, Weah is set to replace Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who in 2006 took over the country founded by freed US slaves. He will be sworn in on January 22.
The 51-year-old, who grew up in grinding poverty, starred at European giants Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s, before briefly playing for Chelsea and Manchester City toward the end of his career.
He entered politics after retiring from football in 2002. Electoral board president Jerome Korkoya confirmed Weah’s run-off victory on Friday evening, following an official tally of results.
“I, acting on behalf of the board of commissioners, do hereby declare the presidential ticket of Senator George Weah and Jewel Howard-Taylor as the winner from the December 26, 2017 presidential run-off election,” Korkoya said.
Weah easily beat Vice-President Joseph Boakai in Thursday’s run-off vote, gaining 61.5 per cent of the ballot against 38.5 per cent for his rival and winning in 14 of Liberia’s 15 counties.
“My fellow Liberians, I deeply feel the emotion of all the nation. I measure the importance and the responsibility of the immense task which I embrace today. Change is on,” Weah said on Twitter.
Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba led plaudits from the world of football to Weah after the only African to win the Ballon d’Or was elected President of Liberia.
“Congratulations Mr. George,” the Ivory Coast legend posted on Twitter.
“Thanks Didier for your support, we are both concerned and aware of the destiny of our peoples. Let’s follow the same path,” replied Weah.
Drogba’s compatriot, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure wrote: “Congratulations president Weah!!”
Marseille’s former Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia applauded Weah on his “superb career”.
“First African Ballon d’Or in 1995, first retired player to be elected president of the Republic. Respect!”
Weah will be sworn in on January 22 after winning the run-off against vice-president Joseph Boakai.
His election success was noted with pride by former clubs Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
Weah played at Monaco from 1988 to 1992 and the French Ligue 1 side noted in a statement: “The entire club congratulates George Weah on his election to the presidency of Liberia and presents him with all its best wishes for success as the head of his country!”
From Monaco, Weah moved to PSG where he picked up two Cup titles in 1993 and 1995, a league title in 1994, as well as sparkling in Europe.
“We knew George Weah well before he became elected president of Liberia. Congratulations to the legend of PSG and world football on this new chapter in his brilliant career,” PSG wrote in English on Twitter.
AC Milan offered their congratulations “to the Red and Black legend” who starred for the club over four seasons, picking up two Serie A titles in 1996 and 1999.
Despite numerous examples of the game’s former stars entering politics, Weah is the first former player to succeed in being elected head of his country.
Others have launched political careers, most recently AC Milan’s star Georgian defender Kakha Kaladze, who was elected mayor of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi after serving as the Georgian government’s energy minister.
In Brazil, ex-star striker Romario has served as a senator since 2015.
