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Tag: Yaya Toure

  • Yaya Toure named Saudi Arabiaassistant coach

    Yaya Toure named Saudi Arabiaassistant coach

    Ex-Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been appointed assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.

    The 40-year-old will be working with Roberto Mancini, who managed him at Manchester City.

    Mancini was named Saudi Arabia’s head coach in August and has taken charge of four matches since then.

    Toure, who played for City from for eight years after signing in 2010, started coaching in 2019 and leaves his role at Belgian club Standard Liege.

    The former Barcelona midfielder has also spent time working with Ukrainian club Donetsk Olympic, Russia’s Grozny, and as an academy coach at Tottenham Hotspur.

    Read Also: Yaya Toure set to secure coaching badges

    During his playing career Toure earned 101 caps for Ivory Coast, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, as well as 18 trophies in club football across spells in Greece, Spain, England and China.

    The Warriors of Zimbabwe coach Brito Beltarman has said they are ready to fight for positive result against Nigeria.

    After facing the Amavubi of Rwanda in the opening group game, Zimbabwe will tackle the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the second game and the coach is already talking tough.

    ” I’m happy with the team and I’m happy with my decision to assemble this talented group of players that will represent Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.

    “We must not respect them, we must play our type of football, fight for ninety minutes and achieve good results for the nation”, he said.

    The coach earlier in the week released the list of 28 players for the game slated to take place at the Huye stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

  • Top ten African players in FIFA World Cup history

    Even though no African country has exceeded the quarter finals of FIFA World Cup till date, their individual talents right from the inception of this tournament have become spectacular over the years.

    With the FIFA World Cup right beginning June 14th, every African player’s dream is to be named among the best and clinch victory in the long run.

    This dream can only become true if players will sacrifice their best for their country and play as team in the competition.

    More also, the feats of African players in World Cup history in recent times cannot be overemphasized as a result of  their remarkable achievements in the tournament.

    The Nation looking back the history of football, name the top 10 greatest African players in World Cup history.

    However, the selection is based on their individual records and contributions as far as the tournament is concerned.

     

    10. Rabah “Mustapha” Madjer (Algeria)

    Madjer (born 15 December 1958) played for the Algeria national team for 19 years, and was present at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. He retired as the nation’s top goalscorer at 28, in 87 caps, having also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990 as the hosts incidentally beat Nigeria twice, in the opening match 5–1 and the final 1–0.

    9.  Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (Cote d’lvoire)

    Touré (born 13 May 1983) has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2004. In 2014, he was named captain of the team after the retirement of Didier Drogba. In February 2015, he won his 100th international cap in a 0–0 draw with Cameroon. Also, representing the nation at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

    8. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) 

    Bwalya (born 16 August 1963) popularly known as the Great Kalu, is a Zambian former international footballer. He is Zambia’s eighth-most capped player and third on the list of all-time top goal scorers behind Godfrey Chitalu and Alex Chola. Bwalya was named African Footballer of the Year in 1988 by the magazine France Football and was nominated for the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year where he was voted the 12th-best player in the world, the first to be nominated after playing the entire year for a non-European club.

    7. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

    Kanu (born 1 August 1976) is popularly known by fans as “Papilo”. A member of the Nigerian national team from 1994 to 2010, making his debut in friendly against Sweden. At the start of his career, Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s overall success at the 1993 FIFA U-17 tournament in Japan and their subsequent 2–1 victory over Ghana in the final. With five goals, he was second joint-scorer in the tournament with Peter Anosike and Manuel Neira, behind compatriot and Captain Wilson Oruma. On 24 June 2010, Kanu ended his international career following Nigeria’s exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Nigeria lost their group matches against Argentina and Greece, before a 2–2 draw with South Korea ended their stay in the tournament.

    6. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

    Pele (born 5 November 1964) is a Ghanaian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and who served as captain of the Ghana national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all-time. He was a captain and was one of the first African football players to earn a top placing in FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 1991 and 1992. He is arguably Africa’s most decorated and honoured football player ever.

    Read Also: World Cup: Super Eagles arrive in Russia

    5. Augustine Azuka Okocha (Nigeria)

    Okocha (born 14 August 1973) also known as “Jay-Jay” made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993.It was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian supporters. With Nigeria trailing 1–0 against Algeria, in a match they needed to win, he scored from a direct free kick to equalise, before helping the team to a 4–1 win, eventually securing qualification to their first World Cup. In 1994, he was a member of both the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations squad and the World Cup squad who made it to the second round before they lost in a dramatic match against eventual runners-up Italy. He is best known for his creativity and skillfulness on the field of play

    4. Albert Roger Mooh Miller (Cameroon)

    Milla (born 20 May 1952), commonly known as “Roger Milla” made his first appearance for Cameroon in 1973 versus Zaire in a World Cup qualifier. He was a member of Cameroon’s team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, having a goal disallowed against Peru in their first match. Cameroon went out with three draws from their three first-round games. He returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Faryd Mondragón entered in the Colombia vs. Japan game being 43 years and 3 days old, setting a new record. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goal scorer in a World Cup tournament, breaking the record he had set in 1990.

    3. Didier Yves Drogba (Cote d’lvoire)

    Drogba (born 11 March 1978), an Ivory Coast international between 2002 and 2014, captained the national team from 2006 until his retirement from the Ivory Coast team and became the nation’s all-time top goal scorer with 65 goals from 104 appearances. He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal. He contributed to the Ivory Coast to qualify for its first ever FIFA World Cup, held in Germany in 2006.

    2. George Tawlon Weah (Liberia)

    Weah (born 1 October 1966), became the first and only African player to be named FIFA World cup player and Ballon d’Or winner in 1995. As successful as he was at club level, Weah was not able to bring over that success to the Liberia national team. In total, Weah played 60 games for Liberia over 20 years, scoring 22 goals. As one of the smaller nations in world football and perennial underdogs, Weah did everything he could to support the national squad: aside from being the team’s star player, he also later coached the squad and even funded his national side to a large extent. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in helping Liberia qualify for a single FIFA World Cup, falling just a point short in qualifying for the 2002 tournament.

    1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    Eto’o (born 10 March 1981), became the first man to be named African Player of the Year for four consecutive times. He made his first World Cup in 1998, being the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2008 FIFA World Cup when Victor Manon, being 16 years 15 days, setting a new record. He scored his sole goal of the 2002 FIFA World Cup when he netted the game-winner against Saudi Arabia during the group stage on 6 June 2002, which was Cameroon’s only win of the competition.

  • Toure touted to leave Man City for the MLS

    Toure touted to leave Man City for the MLS

     

    Long-serving Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is reportedly being lined up by MLS team and sister side to Man City – New York City FC.

    NYCFC and the Blues are both owned by the City Football Group, and the Daily Star believe the MLS team see Toure as a perfect successor for Andrea Pirlo, 38, who retires at the end of the season.

    The 34-year-old has been with Man City since 2010, having joined from Barcelona, and has made over 200 league appearances for the club.

    However, Toure has struggled for regular football this season, making just four appearances in all competitions – whilst only two of them have come in the Premier League.

    The timing could be perfect for both sides, as Toure looks to get regular football as his career reaches its latter stages, and the Manchester side look to move on any players who don’t feature regularly.

    The former-Ivory Coast international signed a new 12-month contract in the summer, but it could very well be his last deal with the Blues

    Toure has joined in criticism of the Carabao Cup match ball just as  coach Pep Guardiola submitted that it was not a serious ball for a serious competition However the EFL insist the ball meets all the necessary requirements.

    The EFL Cup said: ‘The Mitre ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup is of exactly the same technical specification as the balls used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy, all of which are tested in accordance with the “FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs” and meet the “FIFA Quality Pro” standard.

     

     

     

  • Yaya Toure signs new one-year deal with Manchester City

    Yaya Toure signs new one-year deal with Manchester City

    Yaya Toure has signed a new one-year deal with Manchester City, the Premier League club have announced.

    Toure was frozen out of the side by City boss Pep Guardiola in the early part of 2016-17 after a row between the manager and the player’s agent Dimitri Seluk, but he has been very much involved since November, and has now put pen to paper on a new deal.

    “I’m delighted. I told myself the journey at City is not done and when I received a call from Txiki and talked to the manager I was very delighted,” said Toure.

    He has been with City since 2010, helping them win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

     “Yaya has been a fantastic servant for Manchester City and continues to be a vital member of Pep Guardiola’s squad,” Txiki Begiristain told the club’s official website.

    “He is one of our most experienced and popular players and we couldn’t be happier that he is staying with us as we embark on what we all hope will be a very exciting season.

    “Yaya has been central to the successes we’ve had over the past seven years and he has a vital part play next season.”

    Toure’s current deal was due to expire this summer.

  • Manchester derby may be better without referee – Yaya Toure

    Manchester derby may be better without referee – Yaya Toure

    Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will prefer to play without a referee in Thursday’s derby with Manchester United in the English Premier League.

    The Ivorian said this on Monday while criticising the standard of officiating in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that referee Craig Pawson had ruled out Sergio Aguero’s first-half strike at Wembley.

    Replays suggested the goal should have stood and Manchester City went on to lose the game 1-2 after extra time.

    “I think the referees have to stop this,” said Toure.

    “I am very disappointed. It is not the first time, there have been a couple of times.

    “Maybe on Thursday we are going to have a better referee or maybe play without a referee, I would prefer that.”

    Officials ruled that Leroy Sane’s cross had gone out of play before reaching Aguero.

    The Argentina striker later did score to put Manchester City ahead but goals from Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez sent Arsenal into May’s FA Cup final, where they will meet Chelsea.

    Defeat means Manchester City’s focus switches to the Premier League, where they are currently fourth.

    But Manchester United will leapfrog them if they win on Thursday.

    “It is a very big game, an important game,” added Toure.

    “We have to do that job and we will see what can happen. We hope to have a good referee.”

     

  • David Silva is like Iniesta and Xavi – Yaya Toure

    David Silva is like Iniesta and Xavi – Yaya Toure

    Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has highlighted David Silva’s importance at the Etihad Stadium and likened the Spain international to Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

    Toure played alongside Xavi and Iniesta during his time at Barcelona and feels Silva possesses similar characteristics to the illustrious duo.

    Silva, 31, joined City from Valencia in 2010 and has since made 300 appearances for the club in all competitions, reaching the landmark in the 3-1 win over Hull City at the weekend.

    “I have played alongside players like Xavi and Iniesta, he is such a similar type of player,” Toure told reporters.

    “He has been brilliant for this club and I am delighted for him to reach 300 games played. We appreciate him here. We are all delighted with him and happy to play with him.

    “He is a player with full confidence and great experience.

    “He knows how this league works. When we play, we need this kind of player just to control the games and be clever. Sometimes we need a player like him at home, just to be in this space and use the ball well.”

  • YAYA TOURE ROARS: Ihenacho was BRILLIANT against Gunners

    YAYA TOURE ROARS: Ihenacho was BRILLIANT against Gunners

    • Salutes Nigerian for remarkable second half showing

    Manchester City’s midfielder, Yaya Toure has revealed that Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho was brilliant against Arsenal on Sunday evening insisting that: “[Kelechi] Iheanacho and Raheem were brilliant and they gave us a lift.”
    Speaking at a post-match conference on Sunday, Yaya argued that Manchester City players showed more hunger to win the game hence they got the deserving 2-1 victory over the Gunners inside the Etihad Stadium in England.
    “It was brilliant. We need this focus and this kind of desire to go to the top of the league table. Arsenal have been a brilliant team from the beginning of the season until now, we did very well. It was very tough in the first half when they had a couple of chances, but defensively we were brilliant,” he told Sky Sports.
    “I think [in the second half] we had more hunger and were more clinical at the end. In the second half, we were more aggressive and we totally dominated the game. I think we deserved to win,” he said.
    “It was about tactics and desire. We were more clever. Arsenal are very dangerous on the counter-attack, when they get the ball to Theo Walcott and Alexis [Sanchez]. They are very clever players, but I think the defence did very well. Then we have a fantastic striker like Raheem up front, who did a big, big job.”

  • Toure double on return sinks Palace

    Toure double on return sinks Palace

    Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Toure capped a surprise return to the Manchester City starting XI with both goals as his side earned a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

    The 33 year old had not featured for City this season but showed no rustiness with his deflected shot in the 39th minute the difference in a tight first half.

    Palace came back into the match in the second half and equalised when Connor Wickham, the substitute, got past Pablo Zabaleta and shot through Claudio Bravo on 66 minutes.

    But City responded and Toure was allowed to convert Kevin De Bruyne’s low corner from six yards to send City level on 27 points with Liverpool, who could only draw at Southampton.

    Chelsea could go top with victory at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

    For Palace the result was a fifth Premier League defeat in a row and they lie a point off the relegation zone.

     

  • Guardiola offers no assurances to Toure despite apology

    Guardiola offers no assurances to Toure despite apology

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has spoken to Yaya Toure about his apology, but insists “nothing has changed” in the aftermath.

    Guardiola had said earlier this season that Toure would not feature in his plans until he makes a public apology for comments made in the press by his agent, Dimitri Seluk.

    Toure finally posted that apology to Guardiola via his Facebook page on Friday morning, just hours before the City boss was due to give his weekly pre-match press conference.

    It was expected that Guardiola would clear up the situation and shed light on whether the Ivorian would now be in contention for matches, but the Catalan gave a vague response.

    “I spoke with Yaya this morning, so of course it’s a private conversation,” he said, somewhat sheepishly. “I know what he says and it is so important for Manchester City. That’s the most important thing, and for Yaya as well. It’s good.

    “Of course I read what he wants and that’s all.”

    When asked specifically about whether Toure will be in contention for Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough, Guardiola replied: “Yaya is in our training sessions, is in our meetings. You knew the situation, nothing changed.”

    Another attempt was made to discuss the Toure situation, but Guardiola was keen to move on.

    “I answered about Yaya, I do not say any more. Now let’s focus on Middlesbrough, you know the situation.”

    Despite Toure’s earlier apology, however, Seluk spoke to TalkSport to insist that he had no intention of saying sorry, and that his client should had no reason to extend an olive branch.

     

  • Yaya Toure apologises to Manchester City

    Yaya Toure apologises to Manchester City

    Yaya Toure has issued a public apology to Manchester City’s management team after being frozen out by Pep Guardiola following comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk.

    In September, the City manager made it clear that Toure would not play under his leadership unless he received an apology from Seluk.

    The midfielder’s representative accused Guardiola of ‘humiliating’ his client by leaving him out of City’s Champions League squad at the start of the season.

    Seluk refused to apologise for his comments, and he recently fuelled the fire by claiming that Guardiola’s snub of Toure is down to revenge.

    It appears, though, that the player himself wants to mend fences as he has released a statement via his official website and Facebook page, claiming that there has been “misunderstandings” and that previous comments do not reflect his views.

    The statement read: “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. 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.”