George Weah taking oath of office as Liberian President. Photo: Reuters

George Weah has begun his presidency with a rousing call to all Liberians – promising to do “more than his share” in advancing the country.

However, he warned he was unable to do it alone.

Speaking at the Samuel Doe Stadium in the capital, Monrovia, he said:

I will do more than my fair share to meet you expectations – but I ask you to meet mine, for I cannot do this alone.”

Mr Weah also used his inaugural speech to praise Liberia’s strong ties with countries like the US and China, stressing their importance in helping reach the country’s full potential.

He also spoke of the European Union, telling the tens of thousands who had gathered to watch him become president today that the continent would “always have a special place in my heart”.

Mr Weah played football at clubs in France and the UK during the late 1980s and 1990s, becoming the first African to win the coveted Fifa World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or.

The old and the new. Sirleaf Johnson, former Liberian President in discussion with the new President, George Weah during Weah’s inauguration. Photo: Reuters

Speaking today, he added:

Without Europe, George Weah would not be standing here.”

AFP news agency also quoted him as saying:

I have spent many years of my life in stadiums, but today is a feeling like no other.”