Midfielder looks set to remain with Premier League champions.
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After speculation earlier in the summer that Yaya Toure may leave Manchester City, his father has moved to pour water on those rumours by saying the midfielder will remain at the club next season, reports the Daily Star.
A bizarre situation arose last month when Toure made his displeasure known about City apparently forgetting his birthday. The Ivory Coast player seemed to be so upset about the birthday snub that a summer exit could have even been on the cards; moves to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain had been mooted.
However, Yaya’s father, Mory, has made it clear that he expects his son to still be with the Premier League champions come next season.
“No, he won’t leave, and it’s not even my wish that he leaves Manchester City.
“It’s said that the most wished for changes bring their sadness. And I reconfirm that he won’t leave.
“If Yaya wanted Manchester City to pay particular attention to the date of his birthday, it’s because he felt that it was the right moment for the club to show him their consideration for all the sacrifices made for City to be at this level.
“It’s a situation he didn’t appreciate. And as he’s a boy who doesn’t keep his frustrations to himself, he preferred to express himself. But I think it’s a situation which will be resolved.”
This will come as reassuring news to Manchester City fans as the 31-year-old was a lynchpin in their run to the Premier League title last season. Toure scored an incredible 20 Premier League goals from midfield last term; providing seven assists as well.
The former Monaco and Barcelona player is currently in Brazil where he will be competing for Ivory Coast in Group C of the tournament. He has been struggling with injury, but is still expected to appear in his country’s first contest against Japan on 15 June.