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Manchester City's Yaya Toure considering retiring from international football with Ivory Coast
The 28-year-old is unsure about his future with his country and says defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations has made him even more determined to win the Premier League
19 Feb 2012 00:40:00
By Sion Cleaver
Getty Images
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has revealed that he is contemplating his future with Ivory Coast.
The 28-year-old was part of the side that lost in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend on penalties to Zambia.
And with the tournament set to be played again next January, the player says he is unsure whether or not he would like to continue representing his country.
“We will see whether I carry on,” Toure told the Sunday Mirror.
“I have to think about what is best for me, for my club and for my country. I love playing for Ivory Coast so it is not an easy thing to think about.
“Maybe if we had won against Zambia things would have been easier for me. The disappointment is big at the moment so I will wait until I have a clear mind before deciding what to do.
“The African Nations is being played again next year and because we have lost the final it is an emotional time for us all.
“But a decision about playing for Ivory Coast has to be made. I will take my time and think about things, about what I will do.”
Toure also stated that the defeat in Gabon last week has made him more determined to lift the Premier League title with City in May.
He added: “City are my club. I have a duty to them because I am a professional, but I also needed to play for my country.
“I did my duty, but I didn’t like being away from my City at such an important stage of the season.
“I really wanted to play against United in the FA Cup but could not get permission to be there.
“When I left we were in the two cups. When I came back we were out. I am happy that we are still first in the Premier League. That’s the most important thing, the aim is to stay there.”
City currently top the table with 60 points, two ahead of rivals United in second and seven in front of third-placed Tottenham.
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The 28-year-old was part of the side that lost in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend on penalties to Zambia.
And with the tournament set to be played again next January, the player says he is unsure whether or not he would like to continue representing his country.
“We will see whether I carry on,” Toure told the Sunday Mirror.
“I have to think about what is best for me, for my club and for my country. I love playing for Ivory Coast so it is not an easy thing to think about.
“Maybe if we had won against Zambia things would have been easier for me. The disappointment is big at the moment so I will wait until I have a clear mind before deciding what to do.
“The African Nations is being played again next year and because we have lost the final it is an emotional time for us all.
“But a decision about playing for Ivory Coast has to be made. I will take my time and think about things, about what I will do.”
Toure also stated that the defeat in Gabon last week has made him more determined to lift the Premier League title with City in May.
He added: “City are my club. I have a duty to them because I am a professional, but I also needed to play for my country.
“I did my duty, but I didn’t like being away from my City at such an important stage of the season.
“I really wanted to play against United in the FA Cup but could not get permission to be there.
“When I left we were in the two cups. When I came back we were out. I am happy that we are still first in the Premier League. That’s the most important thing, the aim is to stay there.”
City currently top the table with 60 points, two ahead of rivals United in second and seven in front of third-placed Tottenham.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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