Yaya Toure: The term legend is frequently overused, but Toure’s role in the revival of Manchester City should not be underestimated
In his first column for SunSport, City writer Blue Moon discusses the end of Toure's distinguished City career
IT is a shame that Yaya Toure’s distinguished Manchester City career is set to end in such ignominious circumstances, after a quite remarkable sequence of events yesterday.
It should have been a proud day for the Ivorian, announcing his international retirement after 102 caps and leading Les Éléphants to their first African Cup of Nations for over twenty years in 2015.
However, the news was completely overshadowed by a very public spat between his manager and agent, one that in all likelihood will result in Toure not making another senior appearance for the Blues.
The term “legend” is frequently overused, but Toure’s role in the revival of Manchester City should not be underestimated; he has arguably been the club’s most important player since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008. His winning goals in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and final helped City win their first silverware for 35 years, whilst his brace against Newcastle in the penultimate game of the 2012 season was a pivotal moment in the title race. Lest we forget his 24 goals from midfield in the 2013/14 season, that saw the Blues win their second league title in three years.
One goal in particular from that campaign, in a 4-0 victory against Aston Villa towards the end of the season, perhaps symbolised Toure at his marauding, brilliant best. A surging run from inside his own half saw him brush off five Villa defenders before finishing effortlessly past Brad Guzan. It felt almost as though a sixth-former had sauntered on to the reception playground and was cruelly toying with his juniors.
Throughout this time, however, his legacy always threatened to be tainted by the very vocal presence of his agent, the odious Dmitri Seluk. Seluk’s absurd complaints, culminating in the infamous “cake-gate” saga, became almost an annual event at City and were clearly an unwelcome distraction for the club. It is, therefore, refreshing to see Pep Guardiola publicly stand up to the player and agent, demanding an apology if Toure is to be considered again for selection.