Yaya Touré Eyes Extended Manchester City Stay Amid European Ambitions
By BBC News
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré has suggested he is not yet finished at the club, expressing a desire to remain and achieve further success — particularly on the European stage.
The 31-year-old Ivorian international, who has played a pivotal role in City’s rise to domestic prominence since his arrival in 2010, addressed both his recent form and future in an interview with Foot Mercato. Despite criticism over his performances at the start of the season, Touré insists he is committed to reaching his peak again — and still has much to contribute to the club.
“It’s true that some of you in the media have not been very kind to me lately, but that’s easy to understand,” said Touré. “When you compare the end of last season to the start of this one, you might think I’m performing less well. But I try to do better in every match — that’s the rhythm of great players. By the end of the season, inshallah, I’ll be back to my best.”
Touré, who has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup with City, also took aim at the nature of football commentary in the media, questioning the level of analysis from so-called experts.
“You know, today, everyone has become an expert in football,” he added. “Some people say I still have to prove myself, that I haven’t done enough. I’m a defensive midfielder, and now I’m criticised for not scoring enough goals — whereas before I was told I wasn’t defending enough. Who knows why?”
Despite the scrutiny, Touré made it clear that the only criticism he truly values comes from City’s supporters — not pundits.
“I accept criticism from the fans, because they live for the club. But for the others, I feel I have already proven myself.”
On his future at the Etihad Stadium, Touré remained open, hinting at unfinished business, particularly in Europe — where City have yet to make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
“It is not time to take stock of my time with City because I have probably not finished writing my story with this club,” he said. “City is now a club that deserves its place on the European scene — if we can bring all the right ingredients together. One of my regrets, as a key figure at this club, would be to leave without having delivered a continental title to our fans, who truly deserve it.”
Touré has made over 200 appearances for City and remains a central figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, both for his leadership and his ability to influence games from midfield.
