Yaya Toure Apologises To Manchester City, Tells Agent To Make Peace With Guardiola

The 33-year-old released a statement on Friday pleading with the Etihad club for the public war of words between his agent, Dimitri Seluk and manager Pep Guardiola over recent weeks.

Toure has been frozen out of action at Manchester City by Guardiola after his agent criticised the Catalan boss for leaving him out of City’s Champions League squad.

Guardiola then insisted Toure would not play for him again unless Seluk apologised for his comments.

Toure has now moved to make peace with a statement on his website.

“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,” the statement read.

“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.

“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 played just once in the early part of the season – the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Steaua Bucharest – as Guardiola initiated fundamental changes to the team following his arrival.

“I have spoken to Yaya in the last few days and he has asked me to make the peace with Pep,” Seluk told the Mirror.

“I agreed with him that I had to do what I could to make the situation better, because Yaya and Manchester City have been caught in the crossfire. I am genuine in what I say.

“Some City fans have contacted Yaya to say that a way forward must be found. And some of Yaya’s team-mates at City have also contacted me to say the same thing.”

“I am not an unreasonable man,” Seluk added. “I don’t think that Pep will ever love me, but the most important thing is that we try to forgive what has happened in the past and develop a new relationship.

“This is a genuine gesture. I hope Pep accepts that my hope is that we can start with a clean page.

“Of course, I hope Pep takes the decision to bring Yaya back into his squad. But even if he doesn’t, I can assure him that I am not going to speak about him any more in the media. I felt it was important that it was me who make the first step towards peace, respect and friendship.

“I really do hope this can be a new start and that Yaya can help Manchester City to win more trophies.”

Toure has scored 75 goals in 267 appearances for City, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his time in England.

It now remains to be seen how quickly the Ivorian, who is in the final year of his contract, can make his way into Guardiola’s team.