Sporting forward claims France Football award

Last week France Football launched a competition to name January's African Player of the Month. In the running were Islam Slimani, Hakim Ziyech (FC Twente, Morroco) and Cheick Diabaté (Bordeux, Mali). At final polling, the Sporting striker finished miles ahead, with a stunning 84% of the vote on the back of 8 goals in just 6 matches.

Speaking with France Football, the Algerian proved happy with his current form, but was keen to highlight his teammates: "I work everyday with my teammates and it is them who give me so many opportunities to score. My job is to score", affirmed Slimani, answering a question on his tough approach to the game: "It comes from my time in Algeria. It hasn't been easy, especially at first with the national team and my club. I accept criticism, but it seems like it has been a bit exaggerated. The truth is that only makes me stronger. It is that anger that makes me never give up."

Coach Jorge Jesus also received praise from the in-form target man: "He is a world class coach and I am not exaggerating. To work with him every day is a pleasure. He helps us improve and you can see that on the pitch. Sometimes he insists in the detail and it might seem like it isn't important, but you quickly understand what he is tryng to do. Tactically, Jorge Jesus is a genius."