Man City star retires from international football after illustrious 14-year career

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Manchester City star Yaya Toure has retired from international football after an illustrious 14-year playing career for the Ivory Coast.

Toure made 102 appearances for Les Elephants scoring 19 goals and captained the country to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory since 1992 in 2015.

On his official website Toure said: “After 14 years playing for Les Elephants I have decided to end my adventure playing for the Ivory Coast.

“Some decisions are difficult to take but it is time to pass things on to other players.

“I thank all my supporters and my fans.”

The 33-year-old has struggled for playing time for City this season after his agent Dimitri Seluk and head coach Pep Guardiola fell out.

Ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup game against Swansea City, Guardiola revealed that Toure will not play unless Seluk retracts his controversial statements.

The Spanish manager most recently left Toure out of City’s Champions League squad in a controversial decision.

Guardiola was quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “It was so difficult for me to put him out of the Champions League, so difficult. I know him, I know he’s a good, good guy, but the list is the list.

“But the day after his manager [agent] spoke, and from that moment Yaya is out.

“Go to the media and apologise to Manchester City – the first one – the second one his team-mates and, after, the trainer. When that happens Yaya will be part of the group and he will have the same chance to play all the games.

“I cannot accept as a coach every manager [agent], when his player doesn’t play, goes to the media and speaks and speaks and speaks.”

The 33-year-old midfielder has made just one appearance for City in all competitions this season. Despite his absence the Citizens are in great form having won all eight games under the stewardship of Guardiola and the team are currently first in the Premier League.

Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol

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