Departing Man City star Yaya Toure rules out Middle East move, targets Premier League stay

Alam Khan - Reporter 18:59 11/05/2018
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  • Yaya Toure has ruled out a big-money move to the Middle East to finish his career in English football.

    The 34-year-old enjoyed an emotional farewell after eight years at Manchester City on Wednesday as the Etihad outfit beat Brighton 3-1 in their final home game of the Premier League season.

    Toure was lauded a club legend as he rounded off his City career with a third title.

    But, linked to Burnley, Wolves and Everton, he could yet be facing Pep Guardiola’s side next season as he said he would not be chasing riches from clubs in the UAE, Saudia Arabia, Qatar or the Far East.

    “Definitely there have been other clubs [making inquiries] but I have to compare all the situations and if it’s good for me or not,” said Toure.

    “I will have to take time, thinking as always to choose the right one. Of course I want to stay in England, continue to play and continue to enjoy.

    “I have maybe one or two years more to play. To go to China or Abu Dhabi, it looks for myself to get more money. Of course people are going to be happy to get more money, but, for me, that’s not my point of view.”

    Having helped turn City into one of the world’s leading clubs since joining from Barcelona in 2010, Toure believes they have a “bright future” as they prepare for new challenges next season.

    No team has defended a Premier League title since Manchester United did it in 2009 and the Ivorian midfielder said: “Yes, of course [they can stay at the top]. That’s what we think about and the club think about.

    Signing off: Yaya Toure.

    Signing off: Yaya Toure.

    “The most important thing was finishing this story because I came for this.

    “The Premier League is the toughest in the world and I hope they are going to respond to the challenge because next season is going to be tougher.

    “Manchester United did it three times in a row, after that it has been difficult to do that [defend the title]. Even Chelsea, they won the league last season and now you see how they are. This league is so tough, with the money all the clubs have, the football is more difficult.

    “City spent money to bring in players and now the club is great with a bright future. They have a good manager and we will see what they do next season.”

    Toure also expects Kevin De Bruyne to continue his fine form and step up as one of the leaders once he departs.

    “I think he’s going to carry on like that,” he added. “You have to keep your mind fresh and continue to work hard. The most important thing is when everything is good it’s OK, but when it’s bad, that time is when you want to see the real champion.

    “Next year I will be out and he is going to have this [stronger] mentality. David Silva has two years more, Vincent Kompany, I don’t know, but Kevin is the youngest one. With [Leroy] Sane, Raheem [Sterling], the future looks bright for this football club and I hope it’s going to continue in that way [of dominance].”

    With a training pitch at the City Football Academy named after him and a mosaic of him in action, City have honoured Toure’s contribution to the club.

    And he added: “I want to thank Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon. It’s something very important [naming the pitch after me], when the club show you sympathy and love and know what I have done for this club and they show that. That’s why they put this pitch in. I’m proud of this and the kids are going to remember me and it will stay a long long time. I am very happy and proud, few African players have received this.

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