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Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure determined to establish club in the big time
Premier League title in Ivorian new boy's sights...
21 Jul 2010 15:55:00
By Matt Monaghan
Big money Manchester City signing Yaya Toure is determined to establish the side at the top table of European football.
Toure, 27, completed his £24 million switch from Barcelona earlier this month after a protracted chase for his signature. Despite dropping out of the Catalans' starting side, the Ivorian international is expected to help the Blues reach the Champions League qualifying places next season.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he expressed his happiness at making the switch.
"It has been two years since Man City wanted me, I am happy and want to make this club big," Toure said.
The defensive midfielder - who played every minute of the Elephants disappointing World Cup 2010 campaign - also said he couldn't wait to experience the atmosphere in English football grounds.
"I once had a trial at Arsenal for two months and I loved it - the way people love football, in December in Europe everyone is on holiday, but they still play football and it's amazing," he stated.
Toure was sold on the switch by older brother Kolo and former Togo international striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
"I spoke to Emmanuel and my brother after the signing and said to them I want to make this club great in Europe," he added.
"The people at the club have a direction to make this club one of the greatest like Barcelona, like Real Madrid - this first year the objective is to qualify for the European Champions League and I am sure eventually we will win the Premier League."
Toure, 27, completed his £24 million switch from Barcelona earlier this month after a protracted chase for his signature. Despite dropping out of the Catalans' starting side, the Ivorian international is expected to help the Blues reach the Champions League qualifying places next season.
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Speaking to BBC Sport, he expressed his happiness at making the switch.
"It has been two years since Man City wanted me, I am happy and want to make this club big," Toure said.
The defensive midfielder - who played every minute of the Elephants disappointing World Cup 2010 campaign - also said he couldn't wait to experience the atmosphere in English football grounds.
"I once had a trial at Arsenal for two months and I loved it - the way people love football, in December in Europe everyone is on holiday, but they still play football and it's amazing," he stated.
Toure was sold on the switch by older brother Kolo and former Togo international striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
"I spoke to Emmanuel and my brother after the signing and said to them I want to make this club great in Europe," he added.
"The people at the club have a direction to make this club one of the greatest like Barcelona, like Real Madrid - this first year the objective is to qualify for the European Champions League and I am sure eventually we will win the Premier League."
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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