Yaya says sorry
LONDON, England (AP): SEEKING TO mend his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure apologised yesterday 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 apologise – 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 apologised. But I don’t know for what. I think Yaya (doesn’t) mean this,” Seluk said yesterday in an interview with Talk Sport radio shortly after the 33-yearold Toure published his statement.
Still, Guardiola cautiously welcomed yesterday’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.
Toure struggled for form last season and could have trouble adapting to Guardiola’s high-energy 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.”