Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has paid tribute to Black Stars legend Tony Yeboah after surpassing his long-standing record for the most goals scored by a Ghanaian in a single English Premier League season.

Semenyo scored 17 Premier League goals last season, beating Yeboah’s previous mark of 12 goals, which the former Ghana striker recorded in the 1994/95 and 1995/96 campaigns.

Speaking to CNN Sports, Semenyo said Yeboah was one of the players who inspired him during his childhood.

“Tony Yeboah is a player I always looked up to. Asamoah Gyan too, Didier Drogba, the names are endless,” Semenyo said.

The 26-year-old said he is now motivated by the possibility of becoming the same kind of inspiration to younger footballers who watch him play.

He recalled watching his childhood idols score regularly in the Premier League and said he hopes young players can now look to him in the same way.

“To think I’m doing it now, I’m grateful to God. It’s a dream of mine to have kids looking up to me, following in my footsteps. It gives me more motivation to keep going,” he added.

Semenyo is also preparing for the new campaign under new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who has already made an impression on the Ghanaian forward.

Semenyo praised Maresca’s tactical approach and said the squad has responded positively to the new manager’s methods.

“He’s joined with us very, very quickly, tactically. You can see it’s very similar with our last manager,” he said.

While acknowledging that the team will need time to fully adapt, Semenyo said Maresca’s ambition and winning mentality fit the squad’s aspirations.

“He’s driven and wants to win everything, like how we do as a team,” he added.

After a record-breaking Premier League campaign, Semenyo will now be looking to build on his 17-goal haul and establish himself among the league’s leading forwards.