Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Friday has revealed that his midfielder Yaya Toure will leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season in this summer.
Toure, who joined Manchester City from Barcelona for just over $ 32 million in 2010, signed a new one-year contract in June 2017. The 34-year-old former Ivory Coast national team captain will make his final appearance against Brighton.
“He is not going to stay next season. At the Brighton game we will make the focus winning and Yaya,” Guardiola said during his press conference.
“We are going to try and win the game for him. We cannot forget we have magnificent facilities, but we cannot forget we are here because of the players.” Guardiola added.
Guardiola’s side will take on Brighton on this Wednesday night before visiting to Southampton for their final Premier League match this season.
“Yaya came here at the start of the journey. Where we are now is because of what he has done. We cannot forget the period from Roberto Mancini, and especially Manuel Pellergrini, Yaya was the key player.” Guardiola said.
“The Brighton game we will give him what he deserves, one of the most beautiful farewells a player can receive. All the game will we be focused on winning for Yaya, we are going to try to do it for him.” the Spaniard added.
Yaya Toure joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2010. (Source:www.pressafrik.com)
When Toure was first coming to Etihad Stadium he admitted was trying to be part of a new story, of something special at City. He is very lucky now to be part of a great club with great players around him.
“I want to win more trophies, that is very important to me. I want to enjoy it at this age still and remaining here is a massive thing.” Toure said.
“It’s a great club, going in the right direction with new players who are coming in. our mentality is always to win week out and I’m delighted with the fans as well.” he added.
Toure has won six trophies so far, including two Premier League tittles and an FA Cup, with the club since joining from Barcelona in 2010. He has made 229 EPL appearances in his eight seasons alongside the Citizens.
