Toure wants to be blue for life

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has claimed he would love nothing more than to finish his career at the Etihad Stadium.

The powerful Ivorian has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe following a series of robust performances in the middle of the park and he was instrumental in City’s title winning side last season.

Roberto Mancini’s side have endured a difficult start to the defence of their title, suffering a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to neighbours Manchester United while also slumping out of the Champions League without a win in Group D, but that has not put the former Barcelona man off.

“I would love to end my career here,” Toure told the club’s official website.

“Nobody knows what the next step is in football and I believe that if you stop dreaming, you should stop playing football, but this is where I want to be.

“When I first arrived at City, every time I went to sleep I would dream about us winning something and about us being the best team in whatever competition we take part in.

“I believe I have to work harder all the time to improve and stay at the top level with this club. I will give my all every time I play and I will never forget how the fans have treated me here so nothing would give me greater pleasure than to finish my career as a Manchester City player.”

Toure picked up a knock in the defeat against United on Sunday, but is likely to return to the midfield at St James’ Park, where his double last season helped City to their first top-flight title since 1967-68.

Mancini’s side memorably clinched the title in the dying seconds of the season, but Toure has set his sights on European domination in spite of their early elimination this time round.

“We want to make history and that was part of my plan when I first signed – to make history – and we’ve made a start but there is so many more chapters to be written,” added the Ivorian.

“I’m really enjoying my football here and I’m playing in front of the most amazing fans I’ve ever come across.

“Ending my playing career at City would be unbelievable, but I know it won’t be easy because we want to win everything and the club is always looking to improve.

“There is no other place I would rather finish with and I want to continue winning titles and trophies with City. I believe we are just at the beginning of our journey.”