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Manchester City manager pep Guardiola has confirmed ‘Uncle’ Yaya Toure will leave the blues at the end of the season, stating his last game will be Wednesday’s home match against Brighton.
And the manager praised Toure for the huge contribution he has made to City’s success over the last eight years. “Yaya came here at the start of the journey. Where we are now is because of what he has done,” Guardiola said. “We cannot forget the period from Roberto Mancini, and especially Manuel Pellegrini, Yaya was the key player. 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.”
Former manager Roberto Mancini signed the Ivory Coast international from Barcelona for a fee of around £24m in 2010, and Toure was a key figure during the Italian’s reign. Toure scored the winner against United to send City to the FA Cup final in 2011, and scored the winner against Stoke, which gave the blues their first piece of silverware since 1976.
The following season, his two goals at Newcastle put City on the brink of their first top flight title in 44 years, while his stunning Wembley goal against Sunderland in the League Cup was the catalyst for the blues coming back from 1-0 down win 3-1. His trademark runs at the opposition and pinpoint free kicks, have earned Yaya a place in every City fans hearts and no doubt he will be given a huge send off on Wednesday.
Toure has made 229 appearances for City, winning three league titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup, but has only made 9 appearances this season.
Wherever Yaya’s next move is, we wish him well and all the best for the future.
Thank you for the memories, Yaya.