Yaya Toure has reiterated his intentions to finish his career at Manchester City and admits the faith from the club’s supporters has played a huge part in his decision to stay.
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The Ivorian’s future has been hot topic ever since comments from his agent back in April [via SkySports], which hinted at a summer move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Serie A outfit Inter Milan were keen to sign the 32-year-old with manager Roberto Mancini eyeing a reunion with Toure after spending three seasons together in Manchester [via Mail Sport].
However, Toure rejected those reports in an interview with Manchester Evening News shortly after the season finished and has now revealed that he plans to emulate AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini:
“That’s the dream for all the players,” Toure revealed [via M.E.N]
“I was trying to convince some players to continue at the club and they said ‘why?”
“Because it was the case of Maldini, it was the case of (Franco Baresi), of (Alessandro) del Piero – so many important players. (Francesco) Totti as well.”
“They are staying long at the club,” he added.
The former Barcelona man also praised the City supporters and admitted it would have been difficult to turn his back on them:
“It is very, very important as a person and as a football player as well when you see people are following you,” he said
“It is difficult sometimes to disappoint them.”
“The fans are doing brilliant for this club. When people show you loyalty, nothing is going by. That’s why I want to stay at City. I want to stay long,” the midfield powerhouse said.
Toure endured a mixed season for City last year but still managed to score 10 goals 29 league appearances and also captained Cote d’Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations success at the start of the year.