thumbnail Hello,

The 29-year-old powerhouse has moved to end any speculation that he may be seeking a move elsewhere in the future by committing himself to the club for the long haul

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has stated his intention to see out the remainder of his career at the current Premier League champions.

The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international has quickly set about in making himself an influential player for Roberto Mancini's side since his arrival in 2010 from Catalan giants Barcelona, and the nature of the project on offer at the Etihad Stadium means Toure has no qualms about pledging his long-term loyalty to the club.

"In life, there is not only money. It's good for family, parents... But it doesn't give you everything. I've had a good wage since my arrival at City", Yaya Toure told L'Equipe.

"Because I came from Barcelona, with an important history, to go to City, with a less important one, but one that I want to help write.

"I can make the history of City. I'm sure that when I am older, people will continue to talk about me here.

"I want to finish my career at City, for respect from the fans. But in football, we never know the future."

With the team struggling to match their blistering early season form last term in this campaign so far, the younger Toure brother expressed his belief in the quality of the side and that they must strive to match the consistency of the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.

He added: "I think we can be great players and it's necessary to progress, improve you qualities in your game. Everyday, we can see why you play in a great team.

"Players want to be at the top level. Trainings are like games. Each player is a winner.

"City are almost considered like a big club because we have won trophies for two years. But for the moment, it's a club with a future, with many young players.

"It explains why this year could be difficult. What's more, each team wants to win against us.

"In comparison with Barca or Manchester United, we need to repeat our performances. Be champions again. Affirm our position in England with other titles, and in the Champions League too.

"But we are a young team, we have moments more difficult, like each team. But we always press ahead. We talk a lot to each other in training, to correct what was not good."

When asked about his relationship with his manager Mancini, Toure was full of praise for the way that the Italian handles his star-studded squad.

He added: "I like when managers respect work and egality. If you work hard in training, he gives you a chance. That's the words all players like. We have two or three players in each position and we fight to win our place.

"Communication is very important in clubs like City or Barcelona. If you don't play with a manager and he doesn't explain why, you don't know what you think.

"Even if I'm in a very big club, playing football is my passion. If I see it's not possible, I go to another team.

"There are also rumours [of Pep Guardiola joining City in the future]. But if somebody has to come, a player, manager, director, I stay in my position.

"I don't regard myself as a leader. I have a familial relation with my teammates. I listen and I do what is wanted by my captain, manager and president."


From the web