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sometimes. He’s the type of guy who, I sometimes think, ‘Just leave him alone’ because sometimes you say things you don’t want to say and, after that, you regret it. “People have been talking about me, but I don’t care. People can say what they want. That’s OK. They have their opinion.”

However, Toure claims his legacy at City proves he is not a mercenary who came only for the money – £220,000 a week at one stage – but someone who wanted titles and success.

“Some said I came here not to win trophies, but was more impressed by the money,” added Toure.

“But, after we won the FA Cup, some started to be more impressed and said, ‘This guy is the real deal’ – and that’s what I’m proud of.”

Toure, who scored 24 goals from midfield in City’s title winning season of 213-14, said he gave everything in the pursuit of success, but felt he was never given the respect he deserved.

“I think when I’m retired from football, I’ll have more respect,” he said.

“People don’t know how dedicated I was.

“This football club was my first wife, to be honest. Even my wife knew it. She sometimes thought I was seeing different girls!

“But she was thinking that because I was going home and just watching the games on my computer.”

City boss Guardiola paid tribute to Toure’s impact at the club and said: “He will start against Brighton. We’re already champions and it’s the final game for him.

“He’s going to play in his position, we’ll try to win the game and finish the season in a good way. That’s the deal.

“It’s his last game at home, so we’ll try to play for him and win for him. People sometimes don’t know, but what makes the clubs greater and bigger are the players – and Yaya is one of them.”

Guardiola, who has one year left on his contract, is poised to sign an extension, but was tight-lipped on when he will put pen to paper.

“I have one more year and next year, I will be here,” he said.

“Now it’s time to finish well and then talk about what we have to do next season, who stays and who we have to buy.

“One more year is a lot and we’ll talk to the club.”