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Tag: toure

  • Yaya Toure reverses Ivory Coast retirement

    Yaya Toure has reversed his decision to retire from international duty and made himself available for selection by Ivory Coast.

    The Manchester City midfielder stepped away from national team duties in September 2016 after winning 113 caps in 14 years.

    However, the 34-year-old wants to play for his country again and to help the younger players who are breaking into the set-up.

    Writing on Twitter, he said: “I love my country and am available for national team selection. I want to help the next generation and use my experience to make all Ivorians proud!!”

    Earlier on Saturday, agent Dimitry Seluk said Toure was eager to win another trophy with Ivory Coast, having lifted the Africa Cup of Nations two years ago.

    “Yaya has decided to return to Ivory Coast national team. He wants to win another trophy with the Elephants of Ivory Coast,” he tweeted.

    Toure’s decision comes despite his lack of playing time for Premier League leaders City this season.

    He has managed only three substitute appearances in the top flight since signing a new one-year contract at the Etihad Stadium in June.

    Ivory Coast failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia after losing to Morocco last month.

    Sporting News

  • UCL:Man City practising best football in Europe- Toure

    Yaya Toure believes Manchester City are “practising the best football in Europe” as they look to finish the Champions League group stage with a 100 per cent record.

    City visit Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday having taken five wins from five in Group F. Paris Saint Germain, who take on Bayern Munich on Tuesday, are the only other team in the competition yet to drop a point.

    But Toure feels the football City manager Pep Guardiola is employing is unparalleled across the continent. City are also unbeaten in the Premier League, having dropped just two points all season.

    And, speaking at a pre-match media conference in Ukraine, Toure – who also worked with Guardiola at Barcelona – said: “Our team is practising the best football in Europe but we want to play against the best teams to see where we are.

    “I think teams respect us. We are in a good moment. We are full of confidence. The way we control games is fantastic.”

    Though City are assured of top spot, the game is a pivotal one for their hosts, with Shakhtar needing a point to secure progression at the expense of Napoli, who face pointless Feyenoord in their final group game.

    Toure added: “Shakhtar have a beautiful team, a great squad, a great coach. For us it is a big challenge to play against them.”