Yaya Toure has made the stunning revelation that he thought he was signing for Manchester United when he was recruited by Manchester City from Barcelona. The Ivorian was eventually corrected about his assumption by his agent, but has no regrets over the move, being glad to have been part of a League and Cup winning Manchester City side.
Toure made the comments when speaking to Nissan, the official global automotive sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, as reported by the Daily Mail. Toure revealed that he assumed that he was heading to Old Trafford, saying “When I was at Barcelona and initially approached by Manchester City I thought it was Manchester United that wanted me.”
“My agent had to tell me it was the team in the blue shirts.”
The Ivorian noted that he was slightly disappointed that Manchester United were not signing him, noting the Red Devil’s greater stature in the year 2010, saying “At the time Manchester United were putting Manchester City in the shadows. It was unbelievable. Manchester United is a big club and I respect that club a lot.”
However, Toure put aside his concerns to eventually sign for the Sky Blues from Barcelona, with Manchester City paying the Catalans £24 million for his services, while also offering him a bumper contract.
Toure insists he has no regrets over the move to Manchester City
After signing, Toure went on to make an immediate impact, scoring the goal that ended City’s 35-year wait for a trophy, in the 2011 FA Cup final against Stoke City. The following season, the Ivorian was instrumental as Manchester City dramatically won the 2011/12 Premier League, which was the Citizen’s first title in 44 years.
Despite his form tailing off over the past couple of seasons, Toure has no regrets over the move, saying “To be in this squad that is making history, it’s unbelievable. It was a big challenge but I came because I knew they were going to succeed and we would win trophies, compete with the big clubs and with Manchester United.”
“This was the kind of club I wanted to have a story with and make history with. I made a good choice.”
Also read: 5 midfielders who could replace Yaya Toure at Manchester City
Toure continued his history-making streak for Manchester City, as they reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time this season, losing out to Real Madrid by a solitary goal. However, with Pep Guardiola, Toure’s former manager at Barcelona, arriving at the Etihad stadium next season, the Ivorian looks set to leave the club this summer.
