Toure back where it all began after sealing move to Greece

OLYMPIAKOS have signed former City midfielder Yaya Toure on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving the Premier League champions in the summer and has been linked with a return to the Greek side in recent weeks.

He was greeted by a large crowd of Olympiakos fans on Sunday evening as he arrived at the Karaskaikis Stadium, where the club were taking on PAS Giannina in the Super League.

Olympiakos tweeted pictures of his reception and later posted a message reading ‘Welcome home Yaya Toure’, accompanied by pictures of the player in their red and white striped kit.

Toure spent the 2005-06 season with the club, helping them win the league and cup double, before moving on to Monaco and then to successful spells at Barcelona and City.

He won two Spanish and three English league titles, as well as the 2008-09 Champions League title and a Copa del Rey with Barca and an FA Cup and two League Cups with City.

Olympiakos will compete in this season’s Europa League after beating Burnley 4-2 on aggregate in the play-off round.

Toure revealed he had rejected offers from across the world to return to Greece.

“It is an honour to be back at Olympiakos,” he said on his official website. “When I left in 2006 I said I would come back and I am delighted to keep my word. I had offers from lots of clubs across Europe, Asia and the USA. Ultimately, I made my decision based on the special relationship I have with this incredible club.

“I am as hungry for success now as I was when I first arrived here many years ago.”