MONROVIA: Former World Player of the Year George Weah is to stand again for the presidency of Liberia.

Weah, one-time attacking hero of Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Milan and Chelsea – among others – had his intention to step forward next week confirmed in a formal statement.

It said: “Mr George Weah, Senator, Monrovia, wishes to announce his intention to run for the presidency of Liberia in the coming elections to be held in October 2017.

“It is not until April 28, when the Democratic Congress Party for Change (CDC) can validates the application that it can become official. Senator Weah insists he ‘respects the nomination process of his party.’

“George Weah unwavering determination to create “opportunities for its people” and nothing will deviate from this goal.”

Weah founded the CDC 11 years ago when he lost a controversy-scarred election challenge to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Five years ago he failed in a bid as vice presidential candidate to Winston Tubman.

Subsequently he was elected to the senate in December 2014.

Weah, 49, was voted FIFA World Player in 1995, the same year he also become the only African player to win the now-discontinued European Footballer of the Year prize.

He was voted African Footballer of the Year In 1989, 1994 and, in 1996, was named African Player of the Century.

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