Yaya Toure extended his stay at Manchester City for one more year having won over manager Pep Guardiola after his current deal expired at the end of the 2016/17 season, extending his stay to the eighth season with the Blues.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain opened up first about the contact saying, [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Yaya has been a fantastic servant for Manchester City and continues to be a vital member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.[/perfectpullquote]
“He is one of our most experienced and popular players and we couldn’t be happier that he is staying with us as we embark on what we all hope will be a very exciting season.
“Yaya has been central to the successes we’ve had over the past seven years and he has a vital part to play next season.”
The 34-year-old joined City from Barcelona in 2010 for £24million and has since helped City to two Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield in 299 appearances.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “I am delighted. I told myself the journey at City is not done and when I received a call from Txiki and talked to the manager, I was very delighted,”[/perfectpullquote]
Touré said in a statement on Manchester City’s website.
The Ivorian added, “When I was coming here [in 2010], I was trying to be part of a new story, of something special at this club. I am very lucky now to be part of a great club with great players around me who are helping me to achieve my targets.
“Of course I want to win trophies that is very important to me. I want to enjoy it at this age still and remaining here is a massive, massive thing.
“It is a great club, going in the right direction with new players who are coming in. Our mentality is always to win week in, week out and I’m delighted with the fans as well.
The midfielder began last season uncertain of his stay at the Etihad after Guardiola omitted him from a majority of City’s first half season games following a feud between the Spaniard and Toure’s agent, Dimitri Seluk.
Touré eventually managed to smoothen things over and returned to the side in January playing an instrumental role in the second half of the season while proving to be an essential part of the team playing a massive 31 games this season, and helping the team qualify for Champions League football next season.
With Iker Gundogan set to be out for a couple of months, there is a high chance of seeing a lot of the Ivorian at the beginning of next season.
Co-author: Viktor Akatwijuka
Featured Photo: Getty Images
