Football
ESPN staff 6y

Yaya Toure will leave Manchester City in the summer - Pep Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will leave the club at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola said at a news conference on Friday.

Toure, who signed a one-year contract at the end of last season, joined City from Barcelona in 2010 and quickly became one of City's most influential players, playing a starring role in the Premier League title successes of 2012 and 2014.

But at age 34, his involvement has declined this season, with the Ivorian making just 16 appearances during a campaign in which City have again won the Premier League and League Cup.

And as Guardiola prepared his side to face Huddersfield on Sunday and Brighton on Wednesday in two home games, the manager confirmed that the Ivory Coast international will be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer.

"The Brighton game we will give him what he deserves, one of the most beautiful farewells a player can receive," Guardiola said. "All the game we will be focused on winning the game against Brighton for Yaya, and we are going to try to do it for him.

"We have amazing facilities but the club became what they did because of the players. Yaya Toure came here when this idea for the club started, and what we are in this moment is thanks to what this guy has done.

"We cannot forget the period from Roberto Mancini, and especially Manuel Pellegrini -- Yaya was the key, key, key, key, key, key player. That's why we are delighted to prepare for Sunday's game, for our celebration, and after for Yaya."

Meanwhile, Guardiola said he is still in no rush to wrap up his own contract talks.

"I stay for sure one more year," Guardiola said. "We have three more games. We have time for everything in life.

"What we have to think about is winning another game. We can break huge records but the target is to win the game."

City will be presented with the Premier League trophy after Sunday's game against Huddersfield after dominating all season.

"Of course it will be a special day," Guardiola said. "We are going to enjoy it."

Guardiola also said defender Vincent Kompany, who missed the game against West Ham United, is in contention to return.

"He had a little problem but has had a perfect training session," Guardiola said. "He is ready."

John Stones could also feature as Guardiola said "he has trained good this week."

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