Toure announces City departure

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure says he will leave the club at the end of the season, but is hopeful of remaining in England.

Toure, who arrived joined City from Arsenal in 2009, has found opportunities limited under Roberto Mancini in recent seasons.

Having not been offered a new contract, the Ivory Coast defender will soon be seeking a new club.

The 32-year-old told Sky Sports: “I have been here for nearly four years, and two fantastic years when I have been playing a lot and I hear my songs with (brother) Yaya and I will miss those things.

“For me my family is here, my kids are at school and they like the area – but in two months nothing has come from the club and I am thinking about my future definitely.

“My first choice is this country, as I like English football – that is why I began playing football.

“After Cote d’Ivoire I came here, I don’t know any other culture and it is important for me to stay here, I have been here for ten years.”

Toure also commented on newly crowned English Premier League champions Manchester United, admitting Alex Ferguson’s men have deserved their success this season.

“They have been more consistent, more concentrated and I think we lost a bit of motivation and determination and that cost us the title,” he said.

“I think City need to start from the first game to the end of the season and try and be focused, like we were last season – every game, as the Premier League is so hard, you can beat Chelsea and then lose against Wigan and those games are key.”