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, AFP reports.
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.
Weah easily beat Vice President Joseph Boakai in Thursday’s run-off vote, gaining 61.5 percent of the ballot against 38.5 percent 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.
READ ALSO: President-elect Weah says Liberia “open for business”, vows to fight corruption
Boakai conceded defeat on Friday and said he had called Weah to congratulate him. He also appealed for unity, saying: “My love for the country is far (more) profound than my desire for the presidency.
“I reject any temptation of imposing pain, hardship, agony and uncertainty,” he said. “My name will not be used as (an) excuse for one drop of human blood to be spilt in this country.”
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the ex-star striker’s victory, saying: “Congratulations to Mister George for this election! Great moment for Liberia!” He also invited Weah to visit France and the invitation had been accepted, Macron’s office said.
His former club Paris Saint-Germain tweeted: “We knew George Weah way before he became President-elect of Liberia. Congrats to the PSG and world football legend on the latest chapter of his brilliant career!!!”
Tributes poured in from former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure and Marseille’s former Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia.
AC Milan offered their congratulations “to the Red and Black legend” who starred for the club over four seasons.
