Toure irritated at City snub

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has spoken of his frustration at his current status in the champions’ squad.

The former captain, who signed from Arsenal in 2009 and has made 75 first-team appearances, has found himself increasingly marginalised, starting just one Premier League game so far this season.

Despite this, Toure has been philosophical about his current situation and is determined not to let himself become demoralised.

“I want to stay, I want to fight for my place,” he told BBC Sport.

“It’s difficult, I was a key player. I’ve done everything but that will not change the manager’s decision.

“I like City and this season I started every game pre-season. But when the season started I’ve been kicked out again from the team. It was difficult.

“I fight. My team-mates know, my brother (team-mate Yaya) knows. I do my best but the club are showing me the way out at the moment.

“I’m not angry with the manager. If someone doesn’t want me then there will be another club that does.

“I still have this hunger. I take Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes as an example; what they are doing for Manchester United is incredible. I want to be like them.”