Ivorian football star Yaya Toure apologizes to Man City for “misunderstandings”
Ivorian and Manchester City football star Yaya Toure has apologised to Manchester City “for the misunderstandings from the past” as he attempts to resurrect his career at the Etihad Stadium.
His apology brings to an end a long-running saga between him and manager Pep Guardiola after his agent criticized the coach for leaving the player out of the Champions league squad.
Toure’s agent Dimitri Seluk questioned whether Guardiola had “the balls to say that he was wrong to humiliate a great player like Yaya” should City not win the Champions League. Guardiola then insisted Touré would not play for him again unless Seluk apologised for his comments and on Friday, the four-time African Player of the Year moved to make peace with a statement on his website.
“I wish to apologise – on behalf of myself and those who represent me – to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past,” read the statement.
“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.
“I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.
“On that note, I would like to thank all of the fans for their messages through this difficult period. This means a great deal to me and my family.”
Touré has been training with the Citizen’s first team squad despite not being in contention to play and it remains to be seen whether he features for City again, although comments from Seluk on Thursday evening hinted he could still have a future at the club.
“I have spoken to Yaya in the last few days and he has asked me to make the peace with Pep,” Seluk told the Mirror.
“I agreed with him that I had to do what I could to make the situation better, because Yaya and Manchester City have been caught in the crossfire. I am genuine in what I say.
“This is a genuine gesture. I hope Pep accepts that my hope is that we can start with a clean page.
“Of course, I hope Pep takes the decision to bring Yaya back into his squad. But even if he doesn’t, I can assure him that I am not going to speak about him any more in the media. I felt it was important that it was me who make the first step towards peace, respect and friendship.
“I really do hope this can be a new start and that Yaya can help Manchester City to win more trophies.”
