Yaya Toure apologises to Man City manager Pep Guardiola

Seeking to mend his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure apologized Friday for outbursts by his agent.

A statement of contrition was demanded two months ago by Guardiola before Toure would be considered for selection again. But it's still not clear if the four-time African player of the year will play again for City.

"I wish to apologize — on behalf of myself and those who represent me — to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past," Toure wrote on Facebook. "Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there."

While Guardiola was receptive to Toure's statement, the midfielder's representative, Dimitri Seluk, had other ideas.

Seluk infuriated Guardiola in September by accusing the manager of humiliating Toure by leaving him out of City's Champions League squad.

"Maybe Toure has apologized. But I don't know for what. I think Yaya (doesn't) mean this," Seluk said Friday in an interview with Talk Sport radio shortly after the 33-year-old Toure published his statement.

Two years ago, Seluk complained that City showed a lack of respect by not giving Toure a cake for his 31st birthday.

Still, Guardiola cautiously welcomed Friday's apology.

"We spoke this morning and of course it's private," Guardiola said. "I read what he wrote and that's all. Of course it is good news for Manchester City.

"Yaya is in all meetings and all our training sessions," Guardiola said, shedding little light on Toure's playing future.

How different from two years ago when Toure, playing under Manuel Pellegrini, was an integral component of the team that won a second Premier League title in three seasons.

Toure struggled for form last season and could have trouble adapting to Guardiola's highenergy pressing game.

"I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club," Toure said in his apology. "I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club's history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.

"On that note, I would like to thank all of the fans for their messages through this difficult period. This means a great deal to me and my family."

Toure recently retired from international duty after playing 113 times for the Ivory Coast, captaining the team to the Africa Cup of Nations title last year.